Susan Coventry's Blog, page 29
May 29, 2017
The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs
The Hamilton Affair is a fascinating portrayal of Alexander Hamilton as a soldier, statesman, husband, father and man. The story begins in St. Croix where Alexander is a young boy being raised by his mother after his father abandoned the family. Life is difficult but Alexander works hard to prove his worth. After his mother's death, Alexander travels to New York where he is taken in by a friend of the family. Here he flourishes attending college and making a name for himself as a speaker and political activist. When the revolutionary war breaks out, Alexander is anxious to fight, and quickly becomes a well-respected soldier under George Washington's command. During this time he also meets the love of his life, Elizabeth Schuyler, the daughter of a wealthy New Yorker. At first, Alexander doesn't feel worthy of Elizabeth's affection as he hasn't the family name nor the social status that she does. Nevertheless, they fall deeply in love, marry and go on to raise several children together. Life with the enigmatic Hamilton isn't easy as he has many political enemies and is constantly striving to make ends meet. After the war, Washington appoints Hamilton as the Secretary of the Treasury, and it is during that period that he meets the woman who will change his life (and his family's) forever. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I learned a lot about Hamilton. After reading The Hamilton Affair, I agree with his wife that Hamilton's life was overshadowed by the other prominent political figures of the time (Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe). The story was fast-paced and the author did a good job balancing the political elements with the personal ones. If you enjoy historical fiction about famous political figures, I would also recommend America's First Daughter about the life of Thomas Jefferson.
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May 23, 2017
The Protector by Jodi Ellen Malpas
The Protector is an angst-filled romance novel by the author of the popular series, This Man. In this story, Camille Logan is being threatened, and her rich father orders a body guard to protect her. Enter Jake Sharp, an ex-sniper with a troubled past. Jake is instantly attracted to the blonde beauty in his charge but he's determined not to act on it. His job is to protect her and he does his job well. Too bad Camille is so hard to resist. At first, Camille can't stand her hard-nosed protector but then they fall in love. Their path to love isn't easy; Camille discovers horrible secrets about her father and Jake, but like all good romances they get their happy ending. I have mixed feelings about this book. While the story kept my interest, it had a darkness to it that overshadowed the romance. With Camille's father and ex-boyfriend cast as the villains, cheating, divorce and episodes of violence, it was hard to find the good underneath. If you haven't read anything by Malpas, I would recommend This Man over The Protector. For romance novels that are edgy and suspenseful I prefer Lori Foster, who does a good job portraying tough guys with a soft side.
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May 22, 2017
The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
The Secret Life of Violet Grant is part historical fiction, part family drama and part mystery. The story alternates between Vivian's life in 1960s New York City and Violet's life abroad in the early 1900s. Vivian Schuyler comes from a wealthy New York family but she's determined to make her own way as a writer. When she receives a suitcase belonging to her long-lost Aunt Violet, (who she had presumed was dead), Vivian eagerly pursues the mystery. Aunt Violet had been living with her scientist husband, Walter Grant, in Europe when WWI broke out. Walter was brutally murdered and Violet was the prime suspect, however she had disappeared never to be seen since. As Vivian investigates, she also falls in love with a handsome, young doctor who lends a hand. It turns out that both of the Schuyler women fell in love with men who brought them great joy but also great pain. In Violet's case, she fell for a British soldier while she was still married to Walter. In Vivian's case, her boyfriend had previously dated her best friend and co-worker, who was still madly in love with him. The Secret Life of Violet Grant explores several topics including: love, lust, friendship, and loyalty to name a few. At times, the drama felt extreme, yet like a train wreck it was hard to look away. I have also read A Hundred Summers by this author which I enjoyed a bit more. If you like historical fiction set around family, you may like this book.
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May 18, 2017
Custom Built for Me
I'm excited to reveal the cover of my upcoming contemporary romance novel, Custom Built for Me. In this story, Jessica McLean is a real estate agent and Shane DeMarco is a custom home builder. Shane is a notorious player but Jess can't help but be attracted to him. Aside from his reputation, Jess and Shane work together AND he's the brother of Jess's best friend! Find out what happens when Custom Built for Me is released in June, 2017.
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May 11, 2017
Mademoiselle Chanel by C.W. Gortner
Mademoiselle Chanel is a historical fiction novel about the renowned designer, Coco Chanel. The story begins with the death of Coco's mother when she was a young girl. Left with five children to care for, Coco's father split up the family sending Coco and her two sisters to an orphanage run by nuns. Even at a young age, Coco had a knack for sewing, and upon her release from the orphanage became a seamstress. In her spare time, Coco designed unique hats and various women that she met became interested in her work. Slowly and with the help of a few wealthy men and women, Chanel began to build her own business. As she became successful in her work life, her personal life was full of turmoil. She went through several lovers before she found the love of her life, but their relationship ends in tragedy. Despite her suffering, Coco forges ahead growing her business until she becomes a household name at the center of which is her popular fragrance, Chanel No. 5. This story is rich and fascinating, telling not only of Chanel's life, but of the historical events taking place around her. Chanel lived through WWI and WWII, and just like all Europeans who lived through those harrowing times her life was impacted as well. Whether or not you're interested in fashion, Mademoiselle Chanel is an excellent read.
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May 8, 2017
May 5, 2017
Better Than Fiction Excerpt
Here's an excerpt from my fifth contemporary romance novel, Better Than Fiction.
Kate didn’t feel like talking. She just wanted to stay like this—forever if possible. But then Luke pulled back just a little, his hands coming to rest on her hips.
“Kate?”
“Hmmm?”
“Look at me.”
She sat back, her arms still resting on his shoulders. He moved his hands up the sides of her body and then cupped her face. Their faces were a mere inch apart, and they were both breathing heavily. Very slowly and very gently, he placed his lips on hers, just enough for her to feel the pressure and long for more.
Kate let him lead, already having decided that she would take whatever he was willing to give. She wouldn’t ask, and she wouldn’t be greedy, but she would be open to whatever was transpiring between them. If it made Luke feel better to go at this slow pace, then she would go along with it—at least for now.
Better Than Fiction is available on Amazon in ebook and trade paperback. Happy Reading!
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May 1, 2017
A New Chapter is Free!
The Kindle edition of A New Chapter is free for a limited time only. Click here to order your free copy and please take the time to leave a short review. Authors and readers appreciate the feedback! Happy Reading!
Emma Murphy first laid eyes on the tall, dark and sinfully handsome Zack Kostas when they stood up in a wedding together. Five years later, they meet again, both newly divorced, and in the process of rebuilding their lives. Emma finds comfort in the bookstore that she owns, while Zack is busy caring for his four-year-old daughter Gracie.
Despite their attraction, Emma and Zack decide to be “just friends,” but soon discover that staying in the friend zone is easier said than done! Sometimes love comes along when you least expect it, but when will Emma be ready to trust her heart again? How will she know when the time is right to begin…A New Chapter?
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April 28, 2017
Book Signing Event
I will be signing books at Fenton's Open Book this Saturday, April 29 from 10am-noon. If you live in the area around Fenton, Michigan or are just passing through, make sure to stop by. I would love to meet you!
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April 23, 2017
The Song of Hartgrove Hall
The Song of Hartgrove Hall by Natasha Solomons is a story of a family in England from post WWII through modern times. At the center of the story are three brothers: Jack, Harry and George who live in a once-beautiful manor house in Dorset, England. The home was requisitioned by British soldiers during WWII and has now fallen into ruin. The brothers have different ideas about how to save the estate. Jack and George turn to farming while Harry, a serious composer, rents the home out for music festivals. At one such festival the brothers meet Edie Rose, a beautiful singer who captivates them all. Edie and Jack marry, and because Harry can't stand the sight of them together he leaves the estate to pursue his music career. The story is told from Harry's perspective, and it alternates between past and present as he becomes a successful composer and tries to forget about Edie. When she unexpectantly shows up at one of his music concerts they do the unthinkable and their lives will be forever changed. This is the second novel that I've read by Solomons and I enjoy her writing style. However, this book read slow to me compared to The House of Tyneford, which takes place during WWII and has more action. If you enjoy stories about England manor life and are a music buff you may appreciate The Song of Hartgrove Hall.
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