Codes of Courage (Falcon Point Historical, #1) by A.L Sowards

 

1940

Austrian refugee Karl Lang has lost everything—his country, his home, and his family. All that is left to him is a burning ambition to see the Nazis defeated. Desperate for work and a way to help the war effort, he finds the one place that will take an exile like him: a supply steamer traversing a deadly path past enemy U-boats.

Since their first meeting, Millie Stevens has felt an undeniable connection to Karl. As the war rages, she shares his determination to oppose the Nazis and finds work at the British codebreaking center at Bletchley Park. There she will use all her intellect and determination to break German codes and read U-boat transmissions—or risk losing the man she loves.

Rolf Denhart will do anything to defend the Fatherland, including long patrols in a cramped U-boat. But rumors from Germany leave him uneasy, forcing a choice between loyalty to his homeland, the safety of his family, and his peace of conscience.

In the midst of war, three lives are woven together to create an epic tapestry of love and loss, joy and pain, sacrifice and courage. 

* Amazon * Goodreads * Seagull Book *

Oh wow. I'm still reeling from the emotional impact of this book. It was so, so good. But it's war, so most things are not happy or easy. My tears weren't necessarily happy ones but they were born from real emotion and it's always amazing to me when an author can draw that out of me. I really felt the anxieties, struggles and conflicts of war. The courage too. While it wasn't all sunshine and roses, the author did a great job of giving me hope and ending in a place where I felt some resolution and peace.

I learned so much while reading this book which is one of the reasons I love historical fiction. U-boats and pack hunting were something I had vaguely heard of but now I can really visualize how that must of been. The rules of combat on the sea were also so interesting to me. Sink a ship but let the survivors live to see another day? And code breakers? Wow, the stress and secrecy of that job. I loved all these elements. I know so much more now. So fascinating.

This author does such a good job of building a world where I can see everything like a movie in my head. I loved the characters and became emotionally invested in them.

This novel comes after (as far as release day) the Heirs of Falcon Point book that was co-authored by A.L Sowards, Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey and Paige Edwards. They are writing spin off books from information and characters in that book so you really should read it first. This book goes back into the past to reveal Karl's story, who is one of the original heirs of Falcon Point.

Content: war time violence, peril, death. Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A Waltz with Traitors by A.L. Sowards

 

The Former Russian Empire, 1918

Czech soldier Filip Sedlák never wanted to fight for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. So at the first opportunity, he defected to the Russians. Now he and others like him have formed the Czechoslovak Legion. Their goal: leave the chaos of Russia, sail to France, and help the Allies defeat the Central Powers, thereby toppling a hated empire and winning an independent Czechoslovakia.

With the fall of the tsar, Nadia Linskaya’s life is in ruins. Her family is dead, her lands are confiscated, and her aristocratic world is gone forever. But Nadia is determined to elude the Bolshevik agent who destroyed her family and find a way to survive in this changed world.

When Nadia takes refuge with the Czechoslovak Legion, the last thing she expects is an ally. But when Filip proposes a sham marriage to ensure her safe passage across Siberia, she takes it. Neither Filip nor Nadia expect real love, not when the legion has to take over the longest railroad in the world—and then hold it against Bolshevik counterattacks, partisan sabotage, Allied intrigue, and a set of brutal Siberian winters. At risk is the future of Czechoslovakia, the fate of Russia—and their hearts.

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I can't stop thinking about this book- the characters, the setting, the situations. It's just, WOW. This author did an amazing job at creating a world with emotion, conflict and purpose. I'm overwhelmed by it all in the best of ways.

Historical fiction is a favorite of mine because I love learning about events in history in a less "history lesson" sort of way. I had no idea about any of these events or the people of Czechoslovak legion who fought so hard and gave so much for the dream of a country of their own. What determination and endurance. What suffering, sorrow and loss. War is brutal and unfair. It was hard to read that part of it but necessary because we need to remember these brave people. I loved reading the author's notes at the back of the book too. Don't miss those.

Filip and Nadia are fantastic characters. I grew to love them so much. It's slow going for their relationship but I'm glad they really came to know each other through their actions. Neither one had a life they thought they would, but the way they adapted with grace and honor just swelled my heart. The whole cast of characters around them were all so good. There were multiple points of view throughout the book and I really enjoyed that.

I loved this book, I love this author. Oh! And I love this cover. It's beautiful and represents the story perfectly.

Content: violence (this is high because this is a war story), peril, death. Mention of rape and abuse with no details. Intimate relations between and husband and wife with no details. Kissing.

Covenant has a launch bundle for the first 100 people who buy a paperback copy of A Waltz with Traitors and submit their receipts.

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Bundle includes a signed bookplate, bookmark, art print, vintage map, and exclusive stickers.

Author Info:

A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned multiple awards and nominations, including a Whitney Award and a Readers’ Favorite gold medal. Sowards grew up in Washington State, spent a few decades in Utah, and now resides in Alaska with her husband, three children, and ever-growing library. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner.

Before the Fortress Falls A.L. Sowards + Enter to Win A Copy of This Book!

 

Their fight for survival would change the course of history.

When rumors reach Vienna that an attack by the Ottoman army is imminent, Wilhelm von Schor, one of the emperor’s courtiers, prepares to evacuate his family—including his sister, Katja. But Katja’s reluctance to leave the city and the people she loves so well grows the farther the family carriage gets from her childhood home. When she learns that another brother, Xavier, is returning to Vienna with his musketeers, she decides to remain behind and face the shadow of war.

Katja soon reunites with Xavier and also with Toby, a dear friend from childhood. As Katja and Toby renew their friendship, an element of attraction builds on the comradery of their youth, and they quickly realize they have found something worth fighting for: love. But all too soon, the Ottomans encircle the city, blanketing its inhabitants in fear. Katja, Toby, and Xavier must each fulfill their new roles if they are to survive. In the overcrowded hospitals, below ground in the countermines, and on the ramparts defending the city walls, the three must fight for love, family, faith, and the survival of their city and everyone inside.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Deseret Book * 

I absolutely love historical fiction- especially ones by this author.  She is so dedicated to research and an accurate showing of events that I know I am getting a good feel for the story just as it played out.  A.L. Sowards is a master storyteller and I always feel so fortunate reading her books.

This book is based on war.  Vienna and her determined people, fighting to save their city, their people, their way of life.  Because it's war, this story is a hard one to read.  There is so much sorrow, loss and fighting but there is also inspiration to be found.  Threads of hope and most definitely resilience.  The story follows three siblings and their different paths throughout the war.  I learned things as I read and that always feels good.  I didn't really understand mines and countermines so that part was especially interesting to me.  I actually didn't know anything about this particular battle in Vienna before reading this but one day when I make it to Vienna, I will think of this story and remember as I witness it's current beauty.

I also felt my compassion growing for those who are facing the ravaging effects of war right now.  It all feels so real and raw.  My heart aches for the many people suffering.

"You keep working, and you keep praying.  Grip your hope tightly and don't let it go.  Clouds may darken it, may blot it out completely, but it's worth holding on to, even when you can't feel it or see it."

This book brought me to tears.  My emotion was real and that's how I know this story is a great one.  Not many books bring my tears flowing.  💙

Content:  violence- most graphic in nature, death, peril, kissing.  There are Christian elements and talk of God.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Author:

A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have earned a Whitney Award, several Whitney Finalists positions, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She currently lives in the beautiful state of Alaska with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.

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Monday, April 4

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Wednesday, April 6

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Thursday, April 7

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Saturday, April 9

Reading with Emily

Of Daggers and Deception (Duchy of Athens #2) by A.L. Sowards + Win This Book!

 

After years as a soldier and mercenary, Rasheed has retired from battle to run the bathhouse in Thebes with his friends Gillen and Eudocia. The simple life suits them, so when Venetian strangers come to town looking to hire the renowned crew, their answer is no. But when one of his friends is abducted, Rasheed is left with no choice but to take up his weapons and join forces with the Venetians, including the beautiful and clever Cecilia, whose betrothed has also been seized by the unknown foe.

As the reluctant allies face ambushes and the looming threat of capture, Rasheed and Cecilia forge a surprising connection. But as the party races to rescue their friends, Rasheed discovers that nothing is as it seems. As his trust in Cecilia begins to waver, he realizes that in the end, they will both be forced to make a choice between love and duty.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I just went on the best adventure!  I loved the pacing of this story, I loved the characters and I loved the storyline.  

We know Gil, Eudocia and Rasheed, as well as some secondary characters, from the first book in this series.  (which I also loved)  Rasheed is the star of this show but I love that the other characters don't go away.  They are very much a part of this whole story.  It creates a feeling of family and purpose.  The connections between these main characters are deep and unshakable.  It feels really good as a reader.

There is mystery and intrigue, deceit and danger.  I was fully invested in all ways the whole way through.  Ugh, so invested.  As the danger and intensity ramped up, so did my reading speed.  I had to purposely slow down my reading and my heart.  I love when that happens.

The author did some setting up at the end of her book for another, at least I hope she did!  It makes me VERY excited!!  This author is one of my favorites.  I love her writing and I especially love her writing in this genre and time period.  There aren't a lot of others doing it right now and it's filling a void for me.

Content:  violence, some described.  Peril.  Kissing.  

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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Heirs of Falcon Point by Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey, Paige Edwards, A.L. Sowards + Enter To Win A Copy of This Book!

 

In the early days of World War II, the Lang family lost everything. Eighty years later, it’s time to take it back.

The Nazis have taken control of Austria, and wealthy widower Leopold Lang faces a difficult decision: join the ranks of the foreign power that has taken over his homeland or flee with his children to safety. Leopold makes his choice—but too late. His family is ripped apart, never to be reunited. But decades later, fate brings together the descendants of this broken dynasty in the place where it all began—Falcon Point.

Anna, Cole, and Tess have never met, each relying on fractured pieces of information to understand their Austrian heritage. But when unforeseen opportunities draw these Lang cousins to Falcon Point, they soon discover they are not alone in their quest to claim the coveted property and the fabled treasure hidden within. Unfortunately, another claimant, one with a much darker heritage, is determined to eliminate the Lang family once and for all.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

Wow, I have so much running through my head right now and so much I want to say.  Most importantly, I loved this book.  The whole concept with the four authors and a dual timeline where we start in the past and then spend the rest of the book in the present day was genius.  It was like the best of both my favorite worlds- historical fiction and contemporary.  There was mystery and adventure, danger and treasure!!.  And yes, there was love.  It all combined to give me a story that had me invested and interested from beginning to end.  The ending had me on the edge of my seat with anticipation.  I loved it so much!

Honestly, the historical loving part of me wanted more of the past.  I wanted to follow each of the Lang siblings all the way to the end.  I wanted "the rest of the story"!  (anyone old enough to get that reference there?)  We get some details filled in throughout the story but it just wasn't enough for me.  Greedy, right?  Yeah, I know.

 I'm so hopeful that these authors will do more of this.  Please let there be more of this.  Will anyone write the Lang siblings stories?  Please?  I know.  I'm greedy and I'm a beggar.  That's what book love does to you.  It makes you a greedy beggar.  😂

Content:  peril, some violence, death.  Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

 

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Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards

 

Greece, 1379

She is known by many names, none of them her own. In truth, she is an unnamed slave, nothing more than a weapon in the hands of her owner in his attempts to provoke political mayhem. When she encounters a handsome young man while on an assignment, she thinks little of him—until he attempts to take what she has stolen. But in her line of work, failure is not an option.

Gillen is intrigued by the mysterious woman who thwarts his mission. But when his path crosses hers again, his intrigue turns to gratitude as the thief he comes to call Eudocia saves his life. The two form a bond of friendship and join forces to wrest control from a group of ruthless rulers. But as their camaraderie blossoms into something more, Gillen and Eudocia must fight for love even as they wage war for a better future.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

This was just the sort of book I have been craving.  Something different.  The setting, the plot and the time period all felt fresh to me.  I really loved it.

The girl has no name.  How sad is that?  Names hold so much identity for us.  Sold into slavery at a very young age and forced into situations that brought pain and misery, the girl knows much about the harder things in life but not so much about the good.  Kindness, love and honesty are all foreign concepts to her.  Then comes Gillen, who takes to calling her Eudocia and gives her a glimpse of what kindness and friendship look like.  

There was adventure, political intrigue, hold your breath moments and times where I didn't think I could stand the horrors anymore.  The story moves along steadily, but not quickly.  There is plenty of time to digest what is happening and understand the characters and what is developing between them and in the plot.  This story is more of the other things and less of the romance. 

This author does such a good job with research and history.  I can feel it all throughout the book.  The attention to detail really helps set the stage in my mind so I can imagine it all.  It was so good.  I was excited to read that the author will be doing another book along these lines set some years down the road with some characters from this book making an appearance.  Yay!

Content:  violence, peril.  War time violence.  Beatings, torture, some detail given but nothing prolonged or too detailed.  References to using women in sexual ways but only generally and not specifically.  One kiss.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Redgrave Murders by A. L. Sowards + Win a Copy of This Book!

Loss is inevitable, as Evie Hampton knows all too well. But despite losing her mother to cancer and her older brother to a war, she knows she’s one of the lucky ones. After all, she still has her father, a distinguished professor of medieval history. And she has Gary Redhawk, the man she loves despite the emotional scars he carries from the Second World War—and despite her father’s opposition to their relationship.

When a freak accident sends Evie’s car careening off the road, she chalks it up to poor maintenance, or sheer bad luck making another appearance in her life. Little does she know a host of hardships is just beginning—the car was her father’s, and the brake lines were deliberately cut. Someone wants them dead—but why? All fingers point to Gary, a man with a troubled past and no solid alibi, but Evie is unwilling to believe he’s involved. Determined to uncover the truth, she begins to piece together a startling picture of deception and vice. But as she closes in on the truth, it is clear that someone is determined to silence her—and the next attempt on her life may be a deadly success.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I've been reading (and loving) books by A.L Sowards for a long time.  She is one of my favorites because her books absolutely come to life in my hands.  This book is a bit different than her previous books as it is a mystery instead of a historical fiction, but I'm so happy that it actually felt like a historical fiction because Sowards really knows how to build the time period she is writing about to feel so authentic and real.  The beginning of each chapter also includes a snippet of letters that Evie and her brother exchange while he is serving in the military during WWII which accomplished the dual purpose of establishing a human connection between Evie and her brother and giving me another bit of history to lean into.

This story really brings to light all the social, economical, and political unrest occurring at the time.  The effects of the war have brought about economical depression, low housing, and war veterans who are struggling to live and work because of the horrors they witnessed.  As always there is discrimination which seems to be present no matter what time period historically is being represented.

Greg battles discrimination as well as PTSD (although it wasn't called that at the time) from a brutal childhood as well as his horrible experiences during the war.  Greg is working so hard to overcome the stigmas and his past.  His gentle, steady nature made him a hero in my eyes.  Evie has dealt with much loss and tragedy herself.  I could feel and I connected with her desire to be loved, valued and accepted.  Greg and Evie together were fantastic lead characters.

While mystery isn't my very favorite go-to genre, I really did love this one.  That's probably due to the author's ability to bring to life the time period.  It was fantastic.

I love the cover of this book.  It's a perfect representation of what is inside.  Can I also just say that I love the details of this book too?  Each chapter heading has a noose like the one on the cover and I loved how the theme carried throughout the whole book- cover to cover.  

Content:  violence (mostly referred to and not described in much detail), kissing, mention of sexual and physical abuse, death

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

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Defiance by A.L. Sowards + $25 and Book Giveaway

Eight years after immigrating to the United States, German-born Lukas Ley embodies the American dream: successful athlete, gorgeous girlfriend, loving family. But beneath the surface, eighteen-year-old Lukas is driven by ambition, resolved to avenge the murder of his father at the hands of the Nazi regime. Unfortunately, a failed physical throws his plans for flight school off course. Unlike his war-hero older brother, Lukas’s purpose is unclear. He can’t fly, and in the eyes of the military, he’s good for only one thing—the front lines.

From the foxholes of war-ravaged Luxembourg to the devastation of an enormous German offensive, Lukas’s journey is fraught with peril. But when he’s taken as a prisoner of war, he realizes life is about to get much worse. In the enemy camp, Lukas is viewed as a German fighting for the wrong side. Ripped from the innocence of an idealistic youth, he becomes a man beaten by the horrors of war. Now his only hope of survival is to hold tightly to his faith in God and his love of family and home. But even if he manages to make it out alive, can he ever be whole again?

Sometimes survival is the ultimate act of Defiance.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Deseret Book *

First, I love this cover.  The picture within the picture is awesome and I feel like it fits the story so well.

I love reading books by A. L. Sowards.  You can tell that she does her homework because her stories come to life.  They feel meaty, real and emotional.  One of my favorite genres is historical fiction- just like this.

War is never an easy subject to read about.  While I loved this book, I had to read it in doses because my heart just couldn't take it all in one sitting.  I had so many emotions reading this book- gratitude, heart break, anger, sadness, pride, hope, relief, but mostly gratitude.  So many people have given so much- everything, really, to defend humanity from tyrants, to ensure freedoms and to defend what is right.  It's humbling.  This book brings all of this to the forefront for me.

Content:  War violence.  LDS Fiction, (some references to things specific to the LDS religion, but mostly general talk about morals, praying and finding forgiveness)

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

My grandpa served in WWII in England.  He married my grandmother in the middle of that war.  He told my grandma to tell him which church to be at and when and he would do his best to make it there to marry her.  He hitchhiked on his two day leave and barely made it to the church on time.  Actually, he was late.  Roads were bombed out and with all the detours, he had a hard time getting there.  He spent one short night with my grandma before heading back to his base.  She had to give him money to get back there!  There was a bombing raid the night before the wedding and my grandma tells of running downstairs to make sure her cake was okay.  A bombing raid.  And she was worried about her cake.  Brides.  <sigh> They saved a lot of sugar rations for that cake and it was important! 

 

Schedule: 

*April 17th: https://atransparentmom.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/

*April 18th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://empowermoms.net/

*April 19th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/ 

*April 20th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ 

*April 21st: http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/

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The Spider and the Sparrow by A.L. Sowards + $25 and Book Giveaway

May 1915. After tragedy strikes during the Second Battle of Artois, Frenchman Julian Olivier will do anything to get out of the trenches. So when British Intelligence recruits him to spy behind enemy lines, he jumps at the opportunity. Just before he begins, however, he has a chance encounter with a young French woman who leaves his heart marked for the remainder of the war—even if he doesn’t know her name.

Warren Flynn is a Canadian airborne hero, and dogfights with the Germans are all in a day’s work. Second only to his love of flying is his fascination with Claire Donovan, the daughter of an American munitions manufacturer living in Paris. Warren flies Julian into Germany and soon receives orders to post the Allies’ newest operative—an attractive peasant woman named Evette—in Claire’s home.

As a dangerous ring of spies and saboteurs threatens to turn the war against the Allies, Julian discovers goodness in his enemies’ hearts. But even if he survives, will he ever be reunited with the woman whose memory he can’t erase? Will Warren survive the war, and will Evette unearth the infiltrator in her own territory before it’s too late?

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Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.  I love when stories are based on real events in history and take me to a place I've never been before.  I think it's so important to remember events like WWII and the people who fought and lost so much.  It was such a terrible time in history- so much suffering.  

This book brings in characters from several countries and follows them in their separate plights that eventually all link together.  It incorporates the ground battles, the air men and their dog fights, and the spies.  The author does a fantastic job of making the characters so human and real- on all sides of the war.

I wouldn't say this book is a desperate page turner as the story progresses in a more gentle, fluid way.  Things develop slowly but I was never bored or feeling impatient.  The people and places were set up vividly in my mind and I enjoyed the gradual coming together of the events and characters.

Content:  war violence, abuse

Feb. 15th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/

Feb. 16th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://www.littlelightdesigncollective.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/ 

Feb. 17th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

Feb. 18th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

Feb. 19th: vhttp://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ 

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