Uvi Poznansky's Blog, page 102

To be above ground isn’t such a bright idea

This was the last place I expected to hear a mention of her name, not only because I knew none of the soldiers fighting by my side and not only because there was no time to speak—but also because she belonged elsewhere. In my mind, Natasha existed in another realm: a realm of peace, where I could immerse myself in thoughts, recalling our last moments together, recalling love.Such a realm was far out of reach, because a fierce battle was raging all around me. With the shrill, howling noise of incoming rockets, which we nicknamed Moaning Minnies, this was not the time to think, let alone immerse myself in any kind of mental activity. I had landed with one of our infantry regiments, but in the chaos that ensued got separated, somehow, from it, and had no choice but to join another team of soldiers. They wore British uniforms—except one who, to my surprise, wore a kilt. He was armed with nothing more than his bagpipes and played a Scottish marching song, even as his comrades fell around him. For some reason, the German snipers seemed to spare him. They must have thought he had gone mad, and so did I.Behind us, the coast was crowded with destroyers, landing craft, and battleships, their guns blasting the shoreline. At the same time, there was an ear-splitting crackle of firing, coming from enemy tanks here and snipers there. The sound was heavily punctuated with the boom of shells raining down upon us, all of which made me utterly confused. Scared, too.There was no reason why one man lost his life and not another. It seemed to be nothing but a game of chance. Was it my time to go? I tried to act indifferent, even as I drew a startled breath. If it was about to become my last one, then... Then, oh well, so be it. After a while my mind became numb. It seemed as if it had always been that way, as if moving forward—for as long as I would be lucky enough to survive—that was how my mind would remain.Looking across the river Orne I saw the Germans retreating. Even so, there was no time to get a sense of relief, because every now and again they turned around and came back to counter-attack.The bagpipe music had long faded away. At the sound of an explosion, eight of the British soldiers just ahead of me went down as fast as pins in a bowling alley. Another soldier came forward from behind, and both of us went on our hands and knees, crawling through the tall grass to help the wounded. “The only thing we can do for them,” he said, in his British accent, “is this: stick their rifles in the ground and hang their tin hats on top.”“Why?”“To mark their position for the medics.”Once that was done, I advanced over a mound of earth, heading in a roundabout way towards the river bank. He caught my arm, held me back, and said, “Dig in!”And I said, “What?”“You don’t want to die, do you?” he asked, over the firing sounds of mortar bombs. “Can’t you see, plain as can be, that to be above ground isn’t such a bright idea?” 
Lenny in Marriage before Death

★ Love reading? Get this series ★Still Life with Memories
Volume V: Marriage before DeathEbook: Kindle ★ Nook ★ Apple ★ Kobo ★ SmashwordsPaperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&NobleAudiobook: Amazon US★ Amazon UK★ Audible ★ iTunes



"Ms. Poznansky has done it again, but this time—and I don’t say this lightly—she has written my favorite book to date in her stable of literary gems... The tension was riveting."  - Aaron Paul Lazar, Author

A Delightful WWII romantic thriller!

Here is a lovely new review, written by Aaron Paul Lazar. Aaron is a mystery writer author, and many of his books have audiobook editions. I am thrilled by what he says about the audiobook narration of Marriage before Death:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful WWII romantic thriller!ByAaron P. Lazaron November 21, 2017Format: Kindle Edition Ms. Poznansky has done it again, but this time—and I don’t say this lightly—she has written my favorite book to date in her stable of literary gems.

Marriage Before Death continues in the Still Life With Memories series, which paints stories of the lives of Lenny and Natasha Kaminsky. (Book 1: My Own Voice, Book 2: The White Piano, Book 3: The Music of Us, Book 4: Dancing with Air)

In this story, Ms. Poznansky eloquently shifts from her previous genre of literary stories full of romance, to a wartime suspense story, still, however, continuing with the love story of our beloved couple.

I have always adored Ms. Poznansky's evocative writing, but this time she whisked me into the era of WWII French Resistance Fighters in 1944. And what an adventure it was! I trembled in my virtual boots beside Lenny when he was captured by Nazi soldiers, “this close” to being executed. He stood in a line of captured soldiers and resistance fighters, waiting to be sent to one group or the other. One group would be immediately hung in the gallows that loomed nearby, the other would be used in some fashion to help the Nazi cause. The tension was riveting.

I listened to the audiobook version of this fascinating story, told by the talented Mr. Don Warrick. His male character voices are outstanding, and his accents—whether it be British, French, German, Jewish, or American, the rendering is brilliant and on target. The female voices aren’t quite as effective, in my humble opinion, but honestly, one can’t fault a deep, stentorian narrator for not being able to completely sound like a woman. ;o)

Thank you, Ms. Poznansky, for allowing us to continue to believe that America still produces great writers who judiciously craft each sentence, and who can tell a great story at the same time.

- Highly recommended by Aaron Lazar, multi award-winning author.

Oh this is gorgeous, a beautiful World War II story of love, adventure and pain

Once a Liberal Arts major in French Literature, J.A. Schneider, a former staffer at Newsweek, brings aspects of her fascination with medicine, forensic science, and human psychology into her gripping thrillers. I am honored that she listened to the audiobook edition of my novel, Marriage before Death, and reviewed it:
FollowJ.A. Schneider, Author Of The Psychological Thrillers Fear Dreams & Her Last Breath11-19-17OverallPerformanceStory

Gorgeous story, LOVE the audio version Oh this is gorgeous, a beautiful World War II story of love, adventure and pain. I had already read the book, but hearing it spoken by the wonderful Don Warrick vastly increased the you-are-there feeling for me. Mr Warrick doesn't just narrate, he feels every line and transmits his emotion to the listener. The magic is in hearing the story - something I've discovered in this audiobook which is just the second I've owned. In fact, listening to Marriage Before Death has introduced me to audiobooks in general, so enjoyable is the experience. I have read every book in this series, and continue to love the characters. Well done, author Uvi Poznansky, and well done Don Warrick! Thank you for a wonderful listening experience - 5 stars!

Slinking into the red curl behind her ear

Our last meeting was vivid in my mind, but already seen as though through a film of air, rippling, becoming thicker, turning into a haze. And the wild, desperate quiver of the flesh had subsided by now. Had it really happened? In my mind I could still hear the sighs—raw, erotic, and oh, so stirring—that had passed her lips before she could bite them back. They evoked a vision of that night, bringing it from its distance back into a sense of intimacy. I closed my eyes and painted it in full detail, over and again, starting with the bedside lamp, with its oatmeal-colored, bell-shaped shade, shedding a soft glow over the half-open chocolate box, over the carved headboard, and over the curve of her shoulder. The light had caressed her, slinking into the red curl behind her ear, rolling all the way down from her neck to the small of her back, and from there hopping over to her hip. Afterwards, I had risen from the bed, casting a look back. There she was, already asleep. Her arms around the pillow, the fingers open upon the design, the intricate design in gold and deep purple, which flowed in and out of the folds of the sheets, giving a glint here and there. Her nose lightly freckled, on her cheek a hint of a dimple, and the lips parted, ever so slightly. If she weren’t lost in slumber they might have flickered into a smile. Even in her dream, had she felt me, putting on my leather jacket, covering her up to her ears with the comforter, then turning off the lamp? One last time, in the dark, I had taken in the scent, which smelled of chocolate bonbons and of her flesh.
Lenny in Dancing with Air



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"The writing of this intense story of love and heartbreak is what makes it a classic. You'll go through the wringer with this one, but you'll never forget it." ~ J.A. Schneider, author

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Uvi Poznansky
"I paint with my pen, and write with my paintbrush"
@UviPoznanskyBlog

Lincoln Cole
“Forging legends one universe at a time.”
@LincolnjColeWebsite
Jacquie Biggar
USA Today bestselling author of romantic suspense with attitude
@JacqBiggarWebsite
Aaron Paul Lazar
“Addictive, award-winning fiction. You'll fall in love with the characters and love to hate the villains.”
@aplazarMurder by 4
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“Escape with a book by Angela Ford.”
@AngelaFord67WebsiteRomantic Escapes 
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"What would you do if you could see other people's dreams?"
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"Life is too short to never cross the genre line."
@ReginaPucketWeeblyWordpress Joan Reeves "It's never too late to live happily ever after."@JoanReevesWebsite
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"There is no second chance at first love."
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Freezing when the stairs creaked beneath his weight

Sergei shut down the throwaway he’d purchased at a gas station in Seattle. The last thing he needed was a trace on his messages. He imagined the frustrated anger on Martin’s face when he read the e-mail sent to the sheriff’s office in that little shithole town of his. A whistled sigh of satisfaction slid past his lips. He glanced at the children asleep on the bed. Unlike Chenglei, he meant them no harm. They would be safe enough with him. Unless Martin didn’t fulfill his demands, then all bets were off. He tossed another log into the potbelly stove and lifted his hands to the warmth.Driving country roads for what seemed like hours in the dark, the deserted cabin had suddenly risen out of the landscape as if calling to him. The overgrown drive and porch full of fallen leaves told him it was probably a summer getaway. He’d locked the kids in the trunk, ignoring the pleading sobs. Then, gun in hand, he checked the area, freezing when the stairs creaked beneath his weight. When nothing moved within, he did a quick search by the light on his phone. The window was layered with musty smelling dust and showed a single room, bed in the corner, wooden table and chairs, and the stove. He’d found the key under the flowerpot, and opened the creaky door. On a small countertop with a single sink, he found a kerosene lantern and matches. His nose crinkled with the pungent aroma as he pumped the lamp, then lit the wick.To ward off the chilly fall night, he’d started a small fire in the stove. They were far enough away he felt reasonably safe, at least until daybreak when the search would move to high gear. Next he went back to the kids. Guilt grabbed hold when he opened the lid on their terrified faces. To combat it, he said, “Unless you want to stay here in the dark, do as I say.”
Excerpt from The Rebel's Redemption by Jacquie BiggarIncluded in  Love in Times of War

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Simply could not put this one down

I simply love the enthusiasm in this latest review of my WWII Spy thriller, Marriage before Death:

5.0 out of 5 stars Natasha or Rochelle and Lenny During WWII and Later YearsByReader & Reviewer Barbon November 13, 2017Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase I simply could not put this one down and pretty much read it on one setting. It is the story of Lenny and Natasha during WWII. At times Natasha was Rochelle a girl on a propaganda poster with a red beret. She was so full of life and living, as fiery as her red hair. I love how the book ends with Lenny still in love with is girl and watching over he, even as he warns her not to touch the hot pastry. He says, "Because of the warmth that wraps around us, this--right here, right now--is a life worth living." As the dig in with forks eating the caramelized tart, Lenny realizes some parts of her life will forever remain a mystery and has some loose ends, but his Natasha will always be his girl, the girl he loved, and he'll always be the man she loved. A beautiful WWII love story amongst all the fighting.

simply could not put this one down

I simply love the enthusiasm in this latest review of my WWII Spy thriller, Marriage before Death:

5.0 out of 5 stars Natasha or Rochelle and Lenny During WWII and Later YearsByReader & Reviewer Barbon November 13, 2017Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase I simply could not put this one down and pretty much read it on one setting. It is the story of Lenny and Natasha during WWII. At times Natasha was Rochelle a girl on a propaganda poster with a red beret. She was so full of life and living, as fiery as her red hair. I love how the book ends with Lenny still in love with is girl and watching over he, even as he warns her not to touch the hot pastry. He says, "Because of the warmth that wraps around us, this--right here, right now--is a life worth living." As the dig in with forks eating the caramelized tart, Lenny realizes some parts of her life will forever remain a mystery and has some loose ends, but his Natasha will always be his girl, the girl he loved, and he'll always be the man she loved. A beautiful WWII love story amongst all the fighting.

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Uvi Poznansky Marriage before Death My Own Voice Dancing with Air The Edge of Revolt
Twisted
Lincoln Cole
Raven’s Peak Raven’s Rise Raven’s Fall The Ninth Circle Jacquie Biggar
The Rebel’s Redemption Hold ‘Em Missing: The  Lady Said No
Aaron Paul Lazar Devil’s Lake Devil’s Spring Devil’s Creek
Angela Ford Closure BARE Forbidden Surrender James DiBenedetto Jane Barnaby Adventure Box Set Finding Dori Dream Sequence Box Set Dream Vacation CeeCee James Sweet Taste of Murder Booked for Murder R.M Alexander The Real You The Determined You The Right One
Regina Puckett Closed Hearts I Close My Heart Joan Reeves Just One Look The Trouble with Love Nobody’s Cinderella  Romeo and Judy Anne Barbara Silkstone Darcy, Lizzy, and Lady Susan

Angelina flung her arms around Joshua

Joshua was very impressed with what Lucy and Richard had done to the lodge over the last twenty four hours; it looked incredible. There was a Norwegian Spruce Christmas tree taking pride of place on the porch. The front door was framed by 7ft strings of warm-white LED-lights with a beautiful holly wreath positioned in the centre of the wooden door. Angelina observed the smoke coming from the chimney and flung her arms around Joshua. “I cannot believe you have done all this for me. You’re amazing. Thank you so much. I really am speechless.”“Well, I figured as we would not get to spend our first Christmas together, I thought it was only fair to bring it forward!” Joshua took Angelina by the hand and led her up the creaky wooden steps. He unlocked the thick wooden door and stood aside to let Angelina walk in first.As they entered, Angelina gasped. “Oh wow! This is so beautiful, Joshua.”Joshua closed the door behind them and Angelina walked around the lodge with her mouth agape. The log fire was burning and the heat warmed up the lodge. There was a smaller Christmas tree to the left of the fire and two presents already wrapped, sitting pretty and just begging to be opened. Joshua went straight to the fridge, pulled out a bottle of chilled champagne and grabbed two glasses before turning to Angelina. “I wanted it to be special. I hope it’s not too much for you? I just wanted to make sure you miss me while I’m away!”Angelina turned to Joshua, “This is perfect. Oddly enough, I was thinking earlier how much I was going to miss not spending Christmas with you… I love it. All of it. You’ve made me feel like the luckiest woman in the world! Now, are you going to crack open that champagne?” 
Excerpt from Broken Wings by D.G. TorrensIncluded in  Love in Times of War

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