Thread of Gold Beads Review and Interview with author.

Book Title: Thread of Gold Beads.

Author: Nike Campbell-Fatoki 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publication Date: November 16, 2012
Three Magi Publishing
Paperback; 412p
ISBN-10: 0988193205

Buy Links

CreateSpace: / Amazon US  

Amazon UK: 

About The Book

Amelia, daughter of the last independent King of Danhomè, King Gbèhanzin, is the apple of her father’s eye, loved beyond measure by her mother, and overprotected by her siblings. She searches for her place within the palace amidst conspirators and traitors to the Kingdom. Just when Amelia begins to feel at home in her role as a Princess, a well-kept secret shatters the perfect life she knows. Someone else within the palace also knows and does everything to bring the secret to light. A struggle between good and evil ensues causing Amelia to leave all that she knows and loves. She must flee Danhomè with her brother, to south-western Nigeria. In a faraway land, she finds the love of a new family and God. The well-kept secret thought to have been dead and buried, resurrects with the flash of a thread of gold beads. Amelia must fight for her life and what is left of her soul.

Set during the French-Dahomey war of the late 1890s in Benin Republic and early 1900s in Abeokuta and Lagos, South-Western Nigeria, Thread of Gold Beads is a delicate love story, and  coming of age tale of a young girl.  It clearly depicts the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversities

About The Author

Nike Campbell-Fatoki was born in Lvov, Ukraine to Nigerian parents. She spent her formative years in Lagos, Nigeria, listening to stories and folktales told by her maternal Grandparents. Her fondest memories were the weekends her mother took her and her siblings to Kings Way, on Lagos Island, returning back with bags of story books.

Though a social science major, she found great pleasure in taking literature classes. She graduated magna cum laude in Economics from Howard University and further went on to receive a Master of Arts degree in International Development from American University, Washington, DC. She worked for several years in International Development field working with International Development consulting firms managing projects and programs overseas.
Presently, she is a Budget and Finance Manager in the municipal government in the Washington DC area. She is an avid reader. She loves traveling, watching movies and listening to music. She is also the Founder of Eclectic Goodies, a party favors and gifts packaging company. She lives in the Washington DC area with her husband and three sons.

Connect with the Author

Email Address: nikecampbellfatoki@gmail.com

Website / Twitter link  / Twitter Hashtag: #GoldBeadsTour

Facebook link / Facebook Fan Page 

Book Trailer http://youtu.be/yc6V8nM7k2k

Interview Questions:

1.      Where did the idea come from for the book?

The idea came from the stories my Grandmother told me about her Grandmother’s quick departure from the war-torn  kingdom of Dahomey (present day Republic of Benin).  I was inspired by her will to survive.  It inspired me personally because it proved that anyone of us can overcome challenges, no matter how difficult they are.  The events that occurred in the heroine’s (Amelia) life are a mixture of true events and fiction. 

2.      What genre does your book fall under?

Historical fiction

3.     Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

The main characters: Djimon Hounsou (sp) or  Boris Kodjo as Dossou  Young Amelia when she was between 13 - 16 year old could be Keke Parker(sp), Older Amelia could be Kerry Washington, Madame Titilayo could be Joke Silva (she’s a Nigerian actress), Akaba could be Anthony Mackie and Marcos could be Terrence Howard.

4.      What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Thread of Gold Beads chronicles the tumultuous life of Amelia, daughter of the last independent king of Dahomey across two countries risking life and love and finding in the midst of it all realizing the love of God, a new family, and the will to live surpasses all.

5.      Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

It is self-published

6.      How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

It took three years

7.      What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Things Fall Apart, Onaedo the Blacksmith’s Daughter.

8.      Who or What inspired you to write this book? 

I was inspired by the stories my Grandmother told me about her Grandmother’s flight from the war-torn kingdom of Dahomey (present day Republic of Benin).  It was my grandmother’s grandmother that fled from the kingdom in the 1890s.  However, princess Amelia is a fictional character.  Having conducted research about the Kingdom of Dahomey (present day Republic of Benin), I imagined what that must have been like for both the citizens and the royal family as they readied themselves for war, the role of children, women and men and the ordeal they must have gone through and especially how they must have survived that period.  I imagined how it must have been for my great (great) grandmother to have to leave her home and family to save her life.  How it must have felt starting afresh in a new country without knowing anyone and how she survived it.  I put myself in these various situations and wrote from there. 

9.     What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

It is set in pre-colonial West Africa, an era which is not talked about much anymore. The fact that female warriors constituted the King’s body guards and they went to war like their male counterparts.  Thread of Gold Beads also shows the interwoven history of the neighboring kingdom of Abeokuta and the impact of slavery on the lives of the people. 

Link to Tour Schedule 

My 4 Star Review

I received this book from the touring host for an honest review.

It has been awhile since I have read anything from West Africa, especially pre-colonial, and what an excellent read. The author's research could be seen throughout the book, well written with a steady pace. Intriguing and interesting you learn more about the last King of Benin and what happened with this unfortunate country during the late 1800. Based on true events the journey of the young woman Amelia, Princess, refugee, wife, mother and trader take you through discovery, hope and the believe that love will never die.

The story was written in two parts, the first with Amelia a small child of six, becoming a princess, always inquisitive, running wild. Becoming of age she fell in love and got married and ultimately leaving everyone she loved behind. The second part was her life in Nigeria, people's misuse of her, stealing and lying to get their own ways. Meeting a woman who would change her life for the better. Met new friends and learned to adjust as she lived the life of a commoner.

Characters were well portrayed throughout, getting a real feeling of their lives, their customs and their vivid emotions ready to explode at any moment. Secrets unfold as you learn more about her mother who was a strong influence in her life, her unconditional love a strong pillar in Amelia's life. Later, her mother was replaced by Madame Titilayo who played a vital role during her stay in Nigeria. Helping Amelia to learn her trade, and becoming an influential woman herself.

Betrayal followed her from a young age where people tried to kill her, poison her or attacked her but yet she remained resilient. But her biggest betrayal would come from those the closest to her which caused much heartache in her life. A wonderful tale of self discovery knowing your own strengths and building on the things that are handed to you. With a strong message of faith interwoven as idols were cast down and God's protection could be seen. 

Being her father's favorite caused her happiness but also isolation which later became a strong point in her life. Which would save her on a few occasions and set her aside. 

I really admire the character of Dossou, the commander-in-chief of her father's army who fell in love and cared for Amelia greatly. Although his character only played a small part, his presence was always tangible. Amelia's heart fixed not realizing the many twists and turns they had to walk to finally be together.

And may I say my heart was really crushed for Marcos who at the end lost much more. 

Her brother Dare was a huge disappointment, just affirming you can not always trust siblings. Her very large family a strong bond that kept the royal house steady. With the many wives and children of the King, the scenes were well described and thoughtful. Caring for each other during dangerous and happy times. 

The threads of gold beads played a significant role throughout the plot as more secrets were revealed, family lines were discovered, always threading like a shield to protect.  

Book Barrage for Hazardous Unions by Kat Flannery and Alison Bruce. Excerpts and Giveaway are available.

Bestselling western romance authors, Kat Flannery and Alison Bruce take you on an exciting journey with the release of HAZARDOUS UNIONS, Two Tales of a Civil War Christmas.

Title: Hazardous Unions

Author: Kat Flannery and Alison Bruce

Genres: Historical Romance, Western Romance

Categories: Holiday-Themed, Military, Mystery/Thriller

Publisher: Imajin Books

Release Date: 9/7/2013

Word Count/Length: 150 pages

Goodreads link: 

Purchase link: Amazon

 

Twin sisters separated by war, bound by love…

After the death of their father, twin sisters Maggie and Matty Becker are forced to take positions with officers’ families at a nearby fort. When the southern states secede, the twins are separated, and they find themselves on opposite sides of America’s bloodiest war.

In the south, Maggie travels with the Hamiltons to Bellevue, a plantation in west Tennessee. When Major Hamilton is captured, it is up to Maggie to hold things together and deal with the Union cavalry troop that winters at Bellevue. Racism, politics and a matchmaking stepmother test Maggie’s resourcefulness as she fights for Bellevue, a wounded Confederate officer and the affections of the Union commander.

In the north, Matty discovers an incriminating letter in General Worthington’s office, and soon she is on the run. With no one to turn to for help, she drugs the wealthy Colonel Cole Black and marries him, in hopes of getting the letter to his father, the governor of Michigan. But Cole is not happy about being married, and Matty’s life becomes all about survival.

Two unforgettable stories of courage, strength and honor

Reviews: “You’ll sigh with pleasure as you finish each story” ~ Caroline Clemmons, author of Bluebonnet Bride “Stories that play on your senses like a sonata. A must read!” ~ Jacquie Rogers, award-winning author of Much Ado About Madams “Wonderfully entertaining and well-written, with engaging characters…delightful!” ~ Charlene Raddon, author of To Have and To Hold

Excerpts

Maggie by Alison Bruce (www.alisonbruce.ca) 

Fall 1862.

The Yankees were coming.

We'd seen the signs days ago. News was, most of west Tennessee had fallen under Union control. Thaddeus scouted them out while hunting rabbits in the brush that bordered the plantation's cotton fields. We'd prepared as best we could as fast as we could, and now I was waiting for them on the front veranda of Bellevue.

"Why me?"

"Someone has to meet them, Miss Maggie," Mammy said, setting out tea things as if the neighbors were coming to call. "Mrs. Hamilton hasn't got your nerve and Miss Patience wouldn't be a lick of good even if she would come downstairs."

"I'm just a servant," I objected half-heartedly.

"Yeah, like Tad here is just a dumb nigger." Mammy cocked her head to one side and a moment later I heard the faint but shrill whistle of the kettle. She smoothed the skirt of her greying white pinny over her faded grey dress. Eventually, the two garments were going to match. "Watch out for her, boy," she said, before heading around the corner of the wraparound porch toward the kitchen door.

Only Mammy could get away with calling Thaddeus "boy" or "nigger" without coming under the resolute stare of a man who looked like he could have been carved out of a huge block of obsidian. Mammy was his aunt and had raised him, along with Major Hamilton, from nursery age. The boys had been more like brothers than master and slave, Mammy said, until Master Ned was sent off to West Point to be made an officer and a gentleman. It was hard for me to reconcile her picture of Master Ned with the aloof man who had employed me to take care of his wife.

I was barely sixteen when I was hired by the Captain, now Major Hamilton. Some days I felt that I was twice that age now, instead of just a couple of years older. Today, watching the Union contingent approach, I felt like that frightened girl again. I took small comfort in the pair of pistols hidden in the pockets of my crinoline. Knowing that Thaddeus was watching over me from the shadows, armed to the teeth, was more reassuring.

Half a dozen hard looking men approached the house. Four of them spread out, some facing us, some partly turned to keep an eye on the out buildings. Two of them rode up the path towards the porch. I felt like I was being ringed in by a pack of hungry wolves. The leader of the pack rode up to the bottom of the front steps.

Wolfish was a description that fit him. Hard muscled, wary eyes, shaggy dark hair spiking out from his cap, he looked old with experience and young in years. His uniform had seen better days and his beard was untrimmed, but it appeared that he had made some effort to clean up before approaching the house. That was a good sign.

I had also made an effort for appearances sake. Instead of my usual long braid, I had twisted my blonde hair into knot and allowed tendrils to fall free on either side of my face. I was wearing one of the calico dresses Mrs. Hamilton bought me in St. Louis. She wanted to make it clear that I was no mere servant any more. I was using it today for similar reasons.

"Afternoon, ma'am. I'm Captain Seth Stone. I have a cavalry troop under my command that needs to set up quarters for the winter."

"I see." My voice was steady, but I could feel my knees wobble beneath my skirts. "And?"

"And this looks like a good place to stay."

"How many are you expecting us to accommodate?"

I heard a chuckle from one of his men. It was stifled with a sharp look from the grim-faced sergeant behind the captain.

"Not so many as there should be," the Captain said, ignoring the interruption. "If you'd oblige me by asking your man to lay down his arms, maybe we can discuss terms."

“Gott hilf mir,” I prayed, but held my ground. "You have your protectors, Captain. I have mine."

With a hand gesture, he signaled his men and they all dismounted as neatly as if they were on parade. Then he dismounted and held out his reins to the sergeant.

"Thaddeus, would you lead these troopers and their horses to water?"

Thaddeus stepped out of the shadows, empty handed. "Yes, miss."

The two men passed on the stairs. Thaddeus was significantly taller and broader than the Union officer and was doing his best guard dog imitation, but the Captain didn't flinch when they passed. He did keep his eye on Thaddeus until he was in the range of his own men. Then he turned his attention back to me and I lifted my head up to make eye-contact. He may not have been as tall as Thaddeus, but he was not a small man and I am on the short side for a woman.

Having asserted his dominance, he backed up a step.

"I understand this is the Hamilton home. Are you Mrs. Hamilton?"

"No, sir. I am Magrethe Becker, Mrs. Hamilton's companion."

His eyes widened. "Maybe I should be speaking to the lady of the house."

"Mrs. Hamilton is indisposed and asked me to..." I stopped, looking for the right word. Meet with him? That sounded too friendly. Deal with him? Almost rude. "Negotiate terms with you."

He let out a short bark of laughter.

"My terms are simple, Miss Becker. I need to winter seventy men and three officers, plus myself. It'll be tight, but this place looks like it has enough room with the house and out buildings. We'll need food and fodder of course. You can either offer, or I will take."

I shook my head. "No."

He barked out a longer laugh. "What makes you think you're in the position to say no?"

"Twelve wounded union soldiers in our care, Captain Stone."

Matty by Kat Flannery (www.katflannery-author.com)

Fort Wayne, Michigan

December 1862

What had she done? Matty Becker was going to hell, and there'd be no one to save her. A loud snore echoed from the other room. She peeked around the corner and caught a glimpse of Colonel Black's stocking feet. She'd burn for sure. She glanced at the paper she held and groaned. She was a horrible, devious, scheming letch. Maggie wouldn't be pleased. Maggie wasn't here. Another snore blew into the kitchen and she placed her head onto the table banging her forehead twice. There was no turning back now.

Last night she'd pushed aside her conscience and let fear guide her. For her plan to work, she'd have to throw all sense to the dogs, not that she hadn't done so already by following through with the blasted thing. She couldn't fail now. If her family found out what she'd done they'd never forgive her. Worse yet, if Colonel Black found out she'd be locked behind bars, a fate far better than the one that got her in this mess to begin with.

She placed the paper on the table and went into the bedroom. Colonel Black lay on the bed with his clothes stripped off and tossed about the floor. He'd been out for nine hours and would wake any minute. Matty stood, pushed all thoughts of reason from her mind and removed her dress, corset and pantaloons. Her face heated and the room spun. He rolled over and she jumped into the bed next to him, pretending to sleep. She knew the moment he'd woken. The bed stilled and she couldn't breathe the air was so stiff.

"What the hell?" He sat up and she knew the instant he saw her. "Son of a bitch."

She felt his nudge once, twice and now a shove almost knocking her from the bed.

"Wake the hell up," he growled.

She squeezed her eyes closed and willed strength into her soul so she could face the dark Colonel. She rolled over pretending to wipe the sleep from her eyes.

"Who are you?" He placed his head in his hands. She'd bet he had one heck of a headache.

"Your wife," she said.

"The hell you are." He shot out of bed without grabbing the sheet, and she averted her eyes.

"Please cover yourself." She held up the sheet and he ripped it from her hand. "The marriage license is in the kitchen on the table if you do not believe me."

She watched as he grabbed his head and closed his eyes. The heavy dose of laudanum she'd placed in his drink the night before had done the trick and it wasn't but a mere suggestion they marry that the Colonel jumped to the challenge. Soon they were standing in the dining room in front of a preacher. Words were spoken—words she thought to say with someone she loved, someone who'd wanted her. Her stomach lurched and her mouth watered with the urge to vomit.

"How did this happen?" he asked sitting on the end of the bed.

"Mrs. Worthington sent me to see if you needed anything."

"I was drinking." He looked at her. "I was drunk."

She shrugged.

He stood holding the sheet tight to his midsection.

She couldn't help but notice the rippled stomach and defined muscles on his chest.

"We can annul. I had too much to drink. My head wasn't clear."

She shook her head.

He frowned.

"We have consummated." A lie of course but she was desperate.

His mouth fell open. A moment she knew he'd not remember. After the preacher left, she'd taken him to the bedroom where he passed out before hitting the bed.

"Impossible. I'd remember that."

She shook her head again praying he'd buy the fib.

He pulled on his pants and dress shirt. "I don't even know you. Why in hell would I marry you?"

"My name is Matty Beck—Black. I was employed with the Worthington's. You've come to dinner several times."

His brown eyes lit with recognition. "You're the house maid."

"Yes."

"I married a maid?"

The words stung and she turned from him so he wouldn't see the disappointment upon her face.

"Why would you marry me if I was into the spirits?"

"You seemed fine to me."

He took a step toward her. "Why would you marry me at all when you don't even know me?"

She gripped the blanket on the bed. "You…you said kind words, and I…I believed them.

"How desperate are you to marry a stranger?" he yelled. "You found out who my father is. You want money. You tricked me."

Well, he got the last one right, but the first two irritated her. She was not the kind of person to marry for money. Really, who did he think she was?

"Sorry to disappoint you but I refused my inheritance years ago."

"If you mean to say that I could not find myself a suitable husband because I am a maid, then you're wrong."

"That is exactly what I am saying Miss—"

"Black."

"The hell it is."

He went into the kitchen picked up the marriage license and stared at it.

Matty dressed quickly and inched into the room. Confusion pulled at his features and she began to feel sorry for him. This was her fault. She'd planned this. Now she had to continue telling the lie she'd told. She glanced outside and shivered. Boldness, be my tongue. Shakespeare's words echoed in her mind. It was worth it. She'd been living in fear for a week. Colonel Black had been her saviour, and she risked a life full of love and happiness for this—a lie in which she'd speak for the rest of her life. She swallowed back the lump in her throat and willed the tears not to fall.

"Why can't I remember?" He glanced at her. "And why in hell would I marry you?"

Author bios:

Alison Bruce has had many careers and writing has always been one of them. Copywriter, editor and graphic designer since 1992, Alison has also been a comic book store manager, small press publisher, webmaster and arithmetically challenged bookkeeper. She is the author of mystery, suspense and historical romance novels.

Website: http://www.alisonbruce.ca

Blog: http://alisonebruce.blogspot.ca

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alisonebruce

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisonbruce.books

Kat Flannery’s love of history shows in the novels she writes. She is an avid reader of historical, suspense, paranormal, and romance. When not researching for her next book, Kat can be found running her three sons to hockey and lacrosse. She’s been published in numerous periodicals. This is Kat’s third book and she is hard at work on her next.

Website: www.katflannery-author.com

Blog: www.kat-scratch.blogspot.ca

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katflannery1

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kat-Flannery/131065966999142

http://bookpromotions.literarynook.com/

Giveaway: 

Author is giving away 2 Kindle copies of "Lakota Honor" 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A New website for authors: Indicated, and my thoughts.

Launch date is Nov 19, 2013

 Early bird special of 20% discount on 

membership to join. 

And 10% discount on membership for the first month.

For newbie authors, or seasoned authors releasing a new novel, exposure is an important tool in attracting new readers to your novel. Indicated was created with this purpose in mind, and brings together independent and small press authors to promote and support each other.

The main feature of the site is a ‘pay it forward’ system where certain novels in select genres will be spotlighted (featured) each month, and eligible to receive support (multiple reviews, sales, promotion and possible inclusion in library catalogues around the world - all of which broadens the book's exposure to more readers). Other members will be required to support others to get their book(s) spotlighted.

Indicated will also promote member’s novels through cover reveals, author interviews and guest posts, as well as member's upcoming events like book launches or book signings. The site features a library of information on promotion and marketing material, a database of publishing industry professionals who can help with different stages of novel publishing and a blog to keep members updated on industry news and trends.

This is my first time that I would review a site, giving input and speaking directly to the creator of the site Louisa Clarkson. What a wonderful lady. Sharp and witty and she knows what she wants. Great to work with someone who has a passion for the industry. When mailing her during the review process she was always quick to respond and very professional.

You can follow her on Twitter @Ind1cated and on Facebook

Here are my thoughts on the site. 

5 Stars if it was on Amazon 

1. Sign up was quick and easy.
2. Upload of my Avatar had no problems.
3. The upload of the cover pic was quick. I really appreciated the quick response from the site. 
4. Read the membership fee requirements. I think it is reasonable and will keep the standard up to par. 
5. The site is easy to navigate with no hidden agendas.
6. The rules of the reviews I agree with. If only every one understand this **smile**.
7. I love the spotlight section, meaning every book has a change to be noticed and would receive the support needed in this industry.
8. No frills, just a site that wants to promote and support authors the best they could, with the help of equally dedicated authors. 

Thanks for the opportunity Louisa, and I wish you all the best with this new season in your life.

Redemption Red Blog Tour – Delancey Stewart Plus Excerpt and 5 Star review

Title: Redemption Red 

Author: Delancey Stewart

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Sub Genre: PTSD/ Family Relationships

Heat Level: Sensual

Amazon

Blurb:

Love, loss, and a smoky red…

When Audrey Montgomery’s carefully planned life collides with the self-destructive path Tyson Dawes is on, neither of them can predict what will happen next. 

Audrey is a diligent and self-reliant culinary student at Portland’s prestigious Cordon Bleu. She has a clear picture of her future in mind, and it allows little room for the steely-eyed and tormented young man she bumps into by chance while wine tasting with friends. 

Tyson Dawes had a perfect childhood, raised among the vines in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. But even the most idyllic of upbringings couldn’t have prepared him for what he would face as a Marine. He returns to his childhood home angry and haunted by the storms of what he has faced and by those he has lost. 

Do opposites truly attract? Can the lure of Audrey’s apparent clarity and innocence offer Tyson hope in the face of his emptiness?

Author Bio:

Delancey Stewart is the author of the Wine Country Romance Series, featuring A Rare Vintage and Redemption Red. She is also writing the Girlfriends of Gotham series for Swoon Romance. The first book in that series, Men and Martinis, will publish in December 2013.

Stewart has lived on both coasts, in big cities and small towns. She's been a pharmaceutical rep, a personal trainer and a direct sales representative for a French wine importer.

A military spouse and the mother of two small boys, her current job titles include pirate captain, monster hunter, Lego assembler and story reader. She tackles all these efforts at her current home near Washington D.C.

 Author links:

Blog: / FB: /  Goodreads: 

GR RR: / Amazon Author Page: 

Redemption Red Excerpt #1:

THE WINDOWS OF the restaurant were tinted to the point where Tyson couldn’t see more than a dark shape approach as he stood outside the door waiting. He thought that the people who’d started the place could’ve probably stretched a bit to come up with something more original than “Fork,” but that’s what they’d gone with. He shook his head, chuckling at the lack of irony in the name as the door swung open. On the other side of the door, in the tall industrial space of one of the hottest restaurants in Portland, was Audrey, the girl Tyson hadn’t been able to banish from his mind since the day before.

Even though their interaction hadn’t exactly been rewarding, Tyson found himself fantasizing about the girl with the thick dark hair and coppery eyes almost constantly. He wasn’t fantasizing anything particularly sexual, though his mind would have gone there willingly if he’d let it. He just wanted to talk to her, be near her for some reason.

“Tyson.” She said his name simply, quietly, as if she’d fully expected that he would show up here.

Suddenly, he felt uncertain of himself. The heavy bag of wines was pulling down on his shoulder, making him feel lopsided and awkward. Anxiety began to claw its way up his throat, and he felt his vision beginning to darken. He pushed the sensation away.

“Audrey, right?” He willed his body to stop shaking and focused on her amber eyes, feeling himself calm.

“Right.”

“I had no idea you worked here.”

“Of course not. There’s no way you could have known.”

“So we’ve established that I’m not stalking you.” He smiled.

She tilted her head, and the thick hair fell away from her graceful neck on one side. Tyson fought back an urge to run his hand along her delicate jawline. Something about her was a contradiction. She appeared fragile and delicate, but there was such strength in her eyes and attitude.

“Was there some question that you might?” The half smile again. Tyson felt butterflies jump into action in his gut. Why does this girl have such an effect on me?

“Of course not,” Tyson laughed easily then. He nodded down toward the cooler bag. “You didn’t really get a chance to taste through the wines. Think we could try a…”

Just then a loud squealing sound erupted from the street, followed by the sickening crunch of metal. A Volvo SUV had just rear-ended a much smaller Kia, and the entire rear end of the Kia was crumpled and smashed.

As the noise began, Tyson felt his entire body start to vibrate. His heart exploded in his chest and adrenaline flooded his body. Before he knew it, he had pushed Audrey inside the restaurant, one hand on her chest, sending her flying inside where she landed hard against the long table. He slammed the door shut behind himself and ended up in a crouch behind it, hands frantically searching for his weapon. He peered out the tinted window at the street, his hands still uselessly seeking anything he could use to protect himself.

Inside the restaurant, Florence and the Machine played loudly, and a longhaired skater guy was jabbering away on the phone at the podium. Tyson glanced around to find another woman, a redhead with a serious expression, sitting at the bar and staring at him with her pen raised in mid-air, while Audrey had slipped down into a chair at the table and was eyeing him with a mixture of fear and irritation.

His breathing slowly returned to normal and he stood up, wishing he could just disappear. He smoothed his clothing and eventually shoved his hands into his pockets where he hoped they would stay still.

“Um…” he looked up at Audrey.

She was rubbing her shoulder.

Horror crept through him as he started to remember exactly what had just happened. He’d shoved her. Hard.

“Oh, God,” he said, crossing the floor to where she sat, looking dazed. “Are you hurt?”

My 5 Star Review

I received the book from the touring host for an honest review.

A beautiful love story, with enough drama to keep you guessing if the two main characters will come together in a happy ending. A real emotional rollercoaster as you are drawn into their daily lives. In Afrikaans I would have said "'n Regte tranetrekker." 

Well written, fast paced with great characters you learn about the world of wine and restaurants as Audrey and Tyson met. Not in the best of ways mind you, but enough to make a lasting impression on both. 

Audrey, a young woman still learning her culinary skills is filled with care and love, always to the rescue for those who wants to be saved. When she met Tyson she thought that he needs her as well, but at the end it turns out they needed each other. Working in a restaurant, going to school and caring for her ailing father was her priority, but once he made his appearance her focus shifted. At first the hand, she reached out was rejected, she was scared, not knowing if she makes the right decision. 

Tyson was a troubled soul, an ex-marine who had to work through a lot of pain. Drowning it in the bottle, with no future plans. Living with his father on the wine farm, a wine maker, and a comatose mother he had no hope left to fight. That is until he met the petite little woman who became more important than the bottle. 

Both needed restoration, their home lives sorely lacking, but standing at the bed of a dying father they realized what was important. With determination and strong will they both showed that they could overcome the obstacles in their lives. Working together to reach what they both craved. The romance breathtaking and beautiful as both learn to give and take in equal measures.

Each supporting character played their part beautifully in the story as it unfolds. Every character depositing a truth or a wake up call to them. Well layered the scenes were building the plot to its final page. For a few hours, you could get lost in the story and fall in love with the characters as they struggled with everyday problems, making it a believable and enjoyable read. 

Stacy Bailey Darnell

Literary Mania Reviews

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