July 9, 2021 by mmcheryl

#BlogTour America’s Promise by Celeste De Blasis

It’s a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour America’s Promise by Celeste De Blasis.

About the Author

Millions of readers have fallen under the spell of the lush, enthralling and bestselling novels by Celeste De Blasis. Tales of adventure and romance set against the sweep of history—all are storytelling at its finest. After graduating from Pomona College, Celeste devoted her life to impeccable research and spellbinding writing. A native Californian, Celeste grew up on the historic Kemper Campbell Ranch in the Mojave Desert, where she lived until her death in 2001.

About the book

A gripping, heart-wrenching story of love and betrayal across the boundary of the American Revolutionary War. The next captivating story for readers who loved My Dear Hamilton, Flight of the Sparrow and Outlander.

1780. Addie looks around at the soldiers celebrating their latest victory. American independence is within reach, but her heart feels heavy with grief. With her husband gone, she must leave the army camp, and the people she has come to love, and choose a respectable path to guard the secret she now carries alone.

Seeking shelter with her aunts in Virginia, Addie tries to mold herself back into the proper and dutiful woman she was before the war, and before the love of a fierce, dark-eyed warrior, changed her forever. But when a band of rogue British soldiers arrives on the farm, will the strength she has gained from travelling with the Revolutionary army be enough to save her loved ones?

Fighting turmoil in Virginia, Addie faces an even worse trial when terrible news arrives from the front: should she stay silent and keep her family safe, or divulge her secret and save an innocent man’s life? -The heartbreaking conclusion to the epic, emotional trilogy.

Review

This is the third book in the America’s Daughter series and the final book in the trilogy. It’s definitely a story worth reading from the beginning, although each could be read as a standalone, but it’s a matter of following Addie on her journey.

In the last book Addie found herself in a precarious social position. Sleeping with the enemy has its consequences, which are quite difficult to explain away or hide, so Addie has to find a way to move forward under these new conditions.

She returns to the folds of her extended family in the hopes they will put family before the complicated political and moral conundrum she has brought with her. Then on top of that the war starts to move too close for comfort, which wasn’t an issue when she was part of the active participation, but now she has something to protect and keep safe.

Although De Blasis isn’t here to read it I think it’s important to acknowledge that there is a clear difference as her work evolves and she becomes more skilled at storytelling. It’s historical fiction set during a period of great upheaval and change for America – it is also setting the stage for further conflicts and more changes of historical importance.

Her forte is definitely family sagas and characters woven into the fabric of history – faction meets dynamic storylines.

Buy America’s Promise at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎ Bookouture pub date 8 July 2021. Buy at Amazon com.

May 27, 2021 by mmcheryl

#BlogTour America’s Wife by Celeste de Blasis

It’s my turn on the BlogTour America’s Wife by Celeste de Blasis.

About the Author

About the book

1776. Addie’s world has changed beyond recognition. From her privileged position amongst Boston’s elite, she has embraced a dangerous new life with the American Revolutionary Army. While childhood sweetheart Silas risks all on the front lines, Addie waits anxiously for news. And when Silas does not return from the Battle of Monmouth, her worst fears come true.

Without thinking, Addie takes a horse and scours the now-calm battlefield for Silas, until word arrives that he has been captured by the British. And worse, by the troop of Scottish Highlanders led by the brooding general John Traverne. Addie hasn’t seen the powerfully built Loyalist soldier since she chose the Revolutionary cause over her own heart, and hearing his name sends butterflies to her stomach, even as she is filled with worry for Silas.

Disregarding her own safety, Addie leaves Washington’s camp and travels deep into enemy territory, determined to bring Silas home. But when she comes face to face with John Traverne once more, the feelings she has tried so hard to bury resurface and she must choose between the man she has pledged her life to, and the man whose dark eyes haunt her dreams. When Addie finally returns to her own camp, she carries a secret that could cost her everything she has fought for…

The second part of the spellbinding, emotional trilogy about enduring love and heartbreaking secrets amidst the birth of America. Readers who adored My Dear Hamilton and Flight of the Sparrow will love America’s Wife.

Review

This is the second book in the America’s Daughter trilogy and although it can be read as a standalone novel I would recommend reading the other books – if only to enjoy the rest of Addie’s story.

Addie’s family has been ripped apart by the American revolution. Being at opposite sides of the spectrum politically, which includes aligning loyalty with different countries, can drive wedges between the tightest of friends and family.

Addie believes in her country freeing themselves from the bonds of the British Crown and supports both her husband and brothers completely. She tries to ignore the thoughts of Traverne that creep into her head and heart now and again. She loves Silas, but it’s hard to forget the fact she has the kind of connection to Traverne that is hard to ignore. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on who you are rooting for, fate intervenes in a terrible way.

It’s a captivating family saga and historical romance fiction. A trilogy that is built upon identity building changes in history, which means the characters have a fascinating backdrop to interact with. De Blasis has clearly given us stories that will resonate with readers regardless of what era we are in – timeless as they say.

Buy America’s Wife at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Bookouture pub date 26 May 2021. Buy at Amazon com.

February 17, 2021 by mmcheryl

#BlogTour A Wild Legacy by Celeste De Blasis

It’s my turn on the BlogTour A Wild Legacy by Celeste De Blasis, the third book in the Wild Swan trilogy.

About the Author

About the book

Lexy Culhane follows in stunned silence as her father bundles her younger brothers onto the train in a midnight flight away from the only life they have ever known. It seems impossible to her that her gentle, loving mother could have shot a man.

Despite the shock, Lexy soon grows to love her new home at Wild Swan, the grand horse farm in Maryland run by her formidable grandmother, Alexandria Falconer. It is from Alex that Lexy has inherited her fiery and rebellious spirit, and which eventually leads her headlong into a career as a crusading reporter during the final days of the frontier wars.

When Lexy meets enigmatic fellow reporter Hawk MacKenna, she feels she has finally found her soulmate. But Hawk’s life is shadowed by a mistake from his youth, and still haunted by her mother’s actions, Lexy struggles to trust him. When her relentless curiosity about his hidden past comes between them, Hawk leaves for the battlefields in the West and Lexy accepts an invitation from distant relations in England. But when she is offered a chance to stay, she faces a test—can she choose between building a new life in this foreign land, or returning to face the pain, and the love, that she left behind?

A stunning, dramatic and heartfelt story by beloved storyteller Celeste De Blasis, set against the backdrop of the most turbulent age of American history. Perfect for readers who love Poldark, Outlander and Daphne du Maurier.

A Wild Legacy was originally published as A Season of Swans.

Review

This is the third book in the Wild Swan trilogy, which used to be called A Season of Swans. All of the books can be read as standalone novels, however because it is a family saga readers might be interested in reading about the origin story of the family and how they overcome the obstacles in their way.

This part of the trilogy focuses on the granddaughter of the admirable and strong Alexandria Falconer. Lexy is still struggling to understand the actions of her mother, which changed her childhood and her destiny in a way. Personally I thought there should have been more appreciation for the possibilities she was allowed to experience and profit from, instead of wallowing too much in the choices of others she can’t control. The question is whether she can overcome her emotional turmoil and grasp some happiness.

Reading a De Blasis is like a blast from the past, because this genre has sort of sunken into shadows. Family sagas were very much one of the main viewing pleasures in the 80s and 90s. Think mini TV series – overly dramatic scenes set in beautiful surroundings with tune stopping dialogue. A very specific type of escapism that lost its appeal somewhere along the decades as readers became eager to have a more serious, relatable and down to earth experience.

Now the genre has been swallowed up and split into multiple sub-genres, which appeal to a variety of demographics. Chick Lit, pure romance, romcom, erotic and so on. The bonkbusters, bodice-rippers and family sagas took a backseat to a more diverse approach to the topic of family, love and relationships. I think there is a resurgence, which suggests that Blasis might get a second wave of appreciation for her work, even if she isn’t here to appreciate it herself.

Buy A Wild Legacy at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Bookouture pub date 8 Dec. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. Hive. Waterstones. Buy on Apple, Kobo, Google.

December 8, 2020 by mmcheryl

#BlogTour A Wild Heart by Celeste De Blasis

It’s a pleasure to be taking part in the BlogTour A Wild Heart by Celeste De Blasis. A Wild Heart was originally published as Swan’s Chance.

About the Author

About the book

Alexandria Falconer gazes around the honeyed land of Wild Swan, the extraordinary horse farm she built up from nothing in the border state of Maryland. It has been Alex’s sanctuary through years of turmoil, and she has come of age in this land of opportunity. But the storm clouds of civil war are gathering, and Alex knows she has a choice to make to protect her family and maintain the precarious peace at Wild Swan.
When Alex’s son dies tragically, she is shattered. It is only through caring for her adopted daughter, two-year-old Gincie, that Alex starts to overcome her grief and find comfort with her beloved husband Rane once more. But when Rane is called away to aid the Union war effort, she is left bereft.

Alex’s heart is with Rane, but at home she has the sole responsibility of shielding Gincie and the rest of her family from the danger creeping ever closer to their door. When a charming soldier arrives at Wild Swan, Alex reluctantly gives him shelter, but the two form a bond and when news arrives of Gettysburg, she is torn with worry for men on both sides of the battlefield. With Gincie by her side, she undertakes a dangerous journey to fight for her family, her principles, and the man who holds her heart…

Review

This is the second book in the Wild Swan trilogy, and although it can be read as a standalone novel I would certainly suggest reading the first book A Wild Hope, too. It gives the reader a complete picture of the trials and tribulations Alex has to overcome and because it is a family saga it also gives a gist of the entire story as we follow the family through different generations.

In this book the world Alex inhibits is changed forever when the family experiences tragedy and betrayal on a certain level. Comprehending that she is unable to keep everyone she loves safe is perhaps one of the reasons she finds comfort in those who share her passion for the four-legged gracious animals she loves.

Set within the traumatic and turbulent times of the American Civil War in a country torn apart by differences that would divide families and a whole country, we meet Alexandria Thaine now Alexandria Carrington Falconer as she does everything to ensure her family isn’t destroyed during destructive times.

Blasis combines the vibe of a bodice ripper with the important social and political issues of the era it takes place in and melds it with an intense family saga. She doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable reality of those times, although they are presented in a manner befitting the charm of the genre. Slavery, women’s rights, the fate of immigrants and of course a war that was to change the landscape of a country and influence its people for many decades to come.

The breeding of thoroughbreds is linked intrinsically to the main character and mirrors the love, passion and idea she has of belonging and family. The horses are part of her legacy and very much a link to her past, present and future.

The result is a nostalgic read not because it is historical fiction, but because the genre is approached differently now in the 21st century. This has the feel of a certain style and voice that was popular a few decades ago when it was written, and indeed many a mini-series was made from books like this – not sure how many people remember North and South by John Jakes for instance. A specific type of romantic escapism that readers were eager to consume, perhaps just the right read to distract people from the worries we have in this era.

Buy A Wild Heart at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Bookouture pub date 8 Dec. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. At Hive. At Apple. At Kobo. At Google.