Sage Nestler's Blog, page 45
March 27, 2017
Into The Fog Character Spotlight – Darielle
Hello, Everyone!
This week’s character sneak peek from my novel Into The Fog is my main character, Darielle! I hope you enjoy, and please let me know if you have any questions!
Darielle
Darielle is a human who was in line to throne in 16th century England. Darielle was supposed to marry Tarum – the heir to the throne – until Tarum was murdered. After Darielle lost Tarum, she was no longer in line to assume the throne. Instead, Darielle became a lady in waiting.
Losing Tarum was the biggest shock that Darielle had in her life. Darielle lost her parents at a young age, and she grew up alongside Tarum and his family. However, Darielle found strength after losing Tarum, and she was able to come out of her shell and fend for herself. After Tarum dies, Darielle is confronted with Harlisisle, a being who was created from Tarum’s corpse, and they create a strong bond. Tarum died with Darielle’s heart, and it is Harlisisle’s duty to give her her heart back so that she can be whole again.
But Darielle runs into trouble when she becomes involved with these new beings, and her life ends up being changed forever.
Into The Fog is a dark fantasy that explores monsters, humans, and the darkness that surrounds us. Prepare to be all consumed in an alternative version of 16th century England in the next couple of months!
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INTO THE FOG AND ITS CHARACTERS ARE COPYRIGHTED. DO NOT SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT INTO THE FOG OR ITS CHARACTERS OR STORYLINE WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR.
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form
FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
March 26, 2017
Navigating Indieworld’s First Spring Book Festival!
Hello, Everyone!
Navigating Indieworld’s First Spring Book Festival begins TOMORROW March 27, 2017, and it will go through March 29, 2017!
This book festival is online, and it is a great way to meet new authors.
I will be attending, and I am excited to find new books to add to my list! There will be authors from just about every genre attending, and I personally can’t wait to meet some new horror authors.
Simply visit this website to attend!
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Welcome spring 2017 by attending:
THE SPRING BOOK FESTIVAL
MARCH 27-29
www.navigatingindieworld.com/
Find your new favorite books and authors. Fiction of every genre, from Children’s Literature to Fantasy, Romance to Horror will be represented by a diverse list of Indie authors at discount prices; many are free. You say you like Non-fiction, too? Don’t worry, we’ve got that.
Enter the $150 giveaway in prizes!
Come join us and tell your book-loving friends!
I hope to see you there!
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form
FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
March 25, 2017
Literary Vacation Club On Hello Subscription
Hello, Everyone!
My subscription box, Literary Vacation Club, was featured on Hello Subscription the other day! I am so honored to see my little indie book box grow, and I want to thank you for your support with it. May is our 1 year anniversary, and I can’t wait to share it with you all!
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Check out the review here!
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Remember that our April box’s theme is Destination – Hogwarts, and it will be a box filled with items to transport you to Hogwarts through all 5 of your senses! The books included in the April box will have similar themes to the Harry Potter series, and you are guaranteed to love them!
The deadline to order the April box is April 10.
Subscribe Now
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form
FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
March 24, 2017
LitJoy Crate Review – March Box
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LitJoy Crate is a book subscription service for kids, middle-grade readers, and young adult readers. They have three different crates for kids, middle graders, and young adults, but their crates are suitable for adults as well! The crates generally include a new book along with bookish accessories that connect to the book or the theme of the month.
The monthly young adult box and kid’s box are $29.99/month + shipping each, but you can choose to pay 3 months at a time ($86.97 + shipping) or 6 months at a time ($167.94 + shipping).
The quarterly middle-grade box is $34.99/quarterly + shipping, or you can pay for 2 quarters at once ($67.50 + shipping).
The box that I am reviewing is the young adult March box, and it includes 1 new release young adult novel with 2 – 3 bookish accessories.
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March’s YA Theme was Galactic Pirates!
I was so excited to receive this box because I had a feeling that it would be science – fiction themed.
LitJoy Crate shows up in an adorable blue box with their logo on the front. The box design is recognizable, and the color makes the box pop!
When opening LitJoy Crate, you see how the adorable cartoon design extends throughout the inside of the box! I love how this design adds to the unpacking experience. Everything was neatly packed in the box, and the main card insert covered the items so that the surprise wasn’t ruined.
The first card that you see when opening the box lets you know how items are chosen for the box. I like how the items are chosen so that they will connect to the book and the theme provided!
The next box insert is a pamphlet with gorgeous artwork on it! Each month, LitJoy Crate features a different artist. This month’s artist is Nastja from http://dasstark.tumblr.com/, and the cover of this pamphlet was created by her. The artwork is representative of Qole from the chosen book for this month, Shadow Run! I think that this artwork is gorgeous, and it creates a visual for the novel of the month.
The inside of the pamphlet includes a full layout of the items included in the box, as well as descriptions for each item. Even though many of the items are from different fandoms, I loved how they all connected back to Shadow Run. The creators even provided book quotes from Shadow Run to link some of the items back to the book!
The main item in this box is, of course, the book of the month: Shadow Run! This book is under the science – fiction genre, and it is said to be a mix of Firefly and Dune. I am a huge fan of science – fiction, and I always enjoy receiving new science – fiction books to check out! The synopsis for Shadow Run is as follows:
Firefly meets Dune in this action-packed sci-fi adventure about a close-knit, found family of a crew navigating a galaxy of political intrigue and resource-driven power games.
Nev has just joined the crew of the starship Kaitan Heritage as the cargo loader. His captain,
Qole
, is the youngest-ever person to command her own ship, but she brooks no argument from her crew of orphans, fugitives, and con men. Nev can’t resist her, even if her ship is an antique.
As for Nev, he’s a prince, in hiding on the ship. He believes
Qole
holds the key to changing galactic civilization, and when her cooperation proves difficult to obtain, Nev resolves to get her to his home planet by any means necessary.
But before they know it, a rival royal family is after Qole too, and they’re more interested in stealing her abilities than in keeping her alive.
Nev’s mission to manipulate
Qole
becomes one to save her, and to survive, she’ll have to trust her would-be kidnapper. He may be royalty, but
Qole
is discovering a deep reservoir of power–and stars have mercy on whoever tries to hurt her ship or her crew.
The book also came with a signed art bookplate from both of the authors, as well as an author letter. These touches truly make the experience one of a kind! I feel closer to the authors after reading what they had to say about their book.
Shadow Run perfectly captures the theme of “Galactic Pirates”, and I have already started reading it! The in-depth descriptions and action scenes make the book a fast read.
The first bookish item included in the box is a tumbler with the quote “come to the dark side, we have books” on it! This tumbler is perfect for me, and I love how it connects a love of Star Wars with reading. The art on the tumbler was created by @bookotter on Instagram, and I like how LitJoy Crate used a small artist to produce this item.
Since this box was science – fiction themed, the creators said that they had to include a Star Wars item since Star Wars is the ultimate sci – fi classic. I think that they chose this item well, and I will get many uses from it!
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Look at how cute that tumbler is! I am in love.
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The next item included is a small tub of “Shadow” Cotton Candy in light honey flavor from Pink Beehive Cotton Candy. This has to be the cutest cotton candy I have ever eaten! It is light and tastes just like honey. The cotton candy does look like a shadow, and it even has bits of edible glitter in it. The book quote that the creators of LitJoy Crate linked to the cotton candy is:
“The enormity of that brilliant sky crammed with stars was nothing to my first glimpse of a Shadow run. Surrounded by undulating fields of blackness…as stray Shadow began to flit past us it would explode with a myriad of colors.”
The thought and creativity that went into this item made it that much more special.
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The color and glitter in this cotton candy connect so well to the “shadow” concept! I am in awe of the creativity that went into curating this item.[image error]
Another item included in the box is a Firefly – inspired wooden bookmark that says “I Aim to Misbehave” by Little Sapling Toys. Firefly is one of the best science – fiction television series, and the artwork that went into this bookmark is outstanding! I will be using this bookmark frequently.
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The quote that the creators linked with this bookmark is as follows:
“The Kaitan wasn’t what I was accustomed to…it wasn’t all glowing walls and hovering displays. Instead, mechanical parts and pieces were used whenever possible, while some displays were decades old.”
The creators included this item because they said that the ship from Shadow Run-the Kaitan-reminded them of the ship from Firefly – Serenity. I think that it is great how they connected the book to Firefly. This bookmark has a lifetime guarantee, and it is of heirloom quality!
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The next item is a Newt Scamander art print by @dasstark, the artist who is LitJoy Crate’s featured artist for March! This artwork is adorable, and I will be putting it on my Harry Potter shelf immediately. The creators of LitJoy Crate included this item because Newt – from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – is one of their favorite characters. I agree with their love of Newt; however, I am not sure how he fits into the science – fiction theme. But the artwork is wonderful, nonetheless!
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Also included in this box was a set of 3 Star Trek inspired pins. LitJoy Crate designed these pins themselves, and I think that they fit well with the science – fiction theme! Star Trek is a wonderful science – fiction franchise, and I can’t wait to add these beauties to my pin collection. The pins have a matte feel to them, and they are the perfect size. They are a science – fiction geek’s dream!
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The last item included in the box is a pair of Bad Astronaut Socks from Woven Pear. I always love receiving festive socks to add to my collection, and this pair is adorable! They are made from woven cotton, and they are extremely soft. They go well with the “out of this world” nature of the box, and I can’t wait to wear them! The creators included this pair of socks because you need an astronaut suit to enter space, and that concept mixes in well with these socks. They can serve as your pseudo – astronaut suit as you travel into Shadow Run! The thought behind this item is incredible, and I will be putting them on and cuddling up with a book soon!
[image error]Overall, I think that this box was well put together. The creativity and curation that went into the items was outstanding! The only item that I didn’t feel fit in the box was the Newt Scamander print, but it is beautiful and I love it. If you are interested in grabbing your own LitJoy Crate or checking out their boxes, please click on the link below!
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March 22, 2017
Cooking with Dice Character Spotlight – The Glacier
Hello, Everyone!
I am excited to introduce to you today “The Glacier” from the cooking role play game, Cooking with Dice! I love how playing this game is like bringing a fantasy novel to life, and “The Glacier” is one of my favorite characters to play. She has quite the fashion sense!
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THE GLACIER
Special Ability – Earn bonus XP for wearing an outfit that coordinates with your dish.
It’s true that icy coldness permeates straight through to your core, but your chilling stare doesn’t mean you aren’t up for a good time! People who call you cold-hearted don’t know you well at all because you sparkle with warmth and enthusiasm. The duties of being an ice-princess keep you pretty busy, what with the constant changing in and out of ball gowns, fending off unwanted proposals of marriage, and saving the kingdom from ruin. Sometimes you just want to break out of the mold and do something a little crazy, like conjuring up a cherry-flavored shaved ice blizzard or building the world’s largest ice cream wall.
Remember to check out the website for Cooking with Dice to get all of your need to know information on this wonderful new cookbook!
Much love,
Ashley
FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form
FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
March 20, 2017
Into The Fog Character Sneak Peek #1
Hello, Everyone!
After much thought and discussion, I have decided to redo and expand my novel, Into The Fog!
I have created such a vast cast of characters that it is vital for me to expand the story, and I can’t wait for you all to experience the final product! I created this novel when I was a child due to the bullying that I was experiencing, and each character has become a part of me. Into The Fog has grown along with me into adulthood, and I look forward to watching it develop even further. That being said, I want to share each character with you as a lead-up to the release of this special edition!
Today I am happy to present to you Harlisisle, my favorite character from Into The Fog. He was the first character that I ever created for this story, and the story has grown around him.
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Harlisisle is a Reincarne, a new monster that I created for Into The Fog. Reincarnes are created from human bodies that have been dead for over 100 years. However, Harlisisle is an illegal Reincarne because he was created from a newly deceased body – the body of Prince Tarum of England. Before Tarum died, he was in love with Darielle and he was set to marry her. However, when Tarum died, Darielle’s heart died along with him. It is because of this that Harlisisle now owns Darielle’s heart since he is made from Tarum’s body. Harlisisle’s existence relies heavily on his closeness to Darielle, and his duty is to protect her.
Harlisisle has the ability to see through the lies of humans, and he only sees others how they see themselves. This means that he is able to see how vulnerable a person is. This helps Harlisisle connect well to others because he knows more about them than they know about him.
Gender: Male
Race: Reincarne – Xanicoy Clan
Eye Color: Switches Between Ocean Colored and Purple Flames
Haircolor: White – Blonde
Weapon of Choice: His Ability to See Through the Lies of Humans
Home of Origin: England – 1600s
I hope you enjoy meeting Harlisisle, and if you have any questions about feel free to ask me in the comments below!
Much love,
Ashley
THE INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST IS COPYRIGHTED AND MAY NOT BE SHARED WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE COPYRIGHTS TO INTO THE FOG, EMAIL PEACHYKEENREVIEWS@GMAIL.COM
FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form
FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
March 19, 2017
The Unseen by Jacob Devlin – ARC
Title: The Unseen
Author: Jacob Devlin
Rating: 3/5
Release Date: May 9, 2017
Synopsis:
Crescenzo and his friends may have survived their confounding journey to the enchanted realms of Florindale, but now they find themselves fighting for their sanity and lives while stuck on the other side of the very mirror they set out to destroy.
With their families trapped by a former ally with a crippling fear of the queen, Enzo, Rosana, and Zack must play a deadly game in Wonderland, where shadows are on the move, kings are at war, and one of them wants Rosana dead.
As darkness hovers over the world, the friends must lean on each other and stop the King of Hearts from following through on Avoria’s orders: Break them.
Review:
The Unseen is the sequel to The Carver by Jacob Devlin, and I was very excited to pick up this novel. I enjoy how clean and crisp Devlin’s writing style is, and I was excited to see that his second novel takes place in Wonderland. Devlin has explored an eclectic cast of characters that range from many different fairytales, and I enjoyed seeing his take on them.
However, The Unseen – like The Carver – was clearly inspired by the television series, Once Upon A Time. I am usually a big fan of fairytale retellings, but there were too many similarities in The Unseen when compared with Once Upon A Time. Many of the characters were the same, and they were thrown into Wonderland, which was used in the Once Upon A Time series as well. Once Upon A Time was refreshing when it first released, but now I feel that the use of fairytale worlds and fairytale characters mixed together – such as in The Unseen and Once Upon A Time – is dried up. Even though I love the idea behind The Unseen, and I enjoyed Devlin’s take on these different characters, I wish that there had more originality to his ideas. For example, many of Devlin’s characters – such as Mulan, Pinnochio, and Peter Pan – were not only pulled from classic fairytales, but from Once Upon A Time as well. Though the storyline of The Unseen was different from Once Upon A Time, I had a hard time separating the too.
That being said, I am amazed by Devlin’s writing skills. Devlin’s writing is advanced, and I found his dialogue to be entertaining. It is clear to me that Devlin is a seasoned author, and I enjoyed how his words flowed from page to page. Devlin knows how to absorb the reader into his stories, and I enjoyed exploring the world that he has written about. I just wished that his ideas had been more of his own.
If you are a fan of Once Upon A Time, I am sure that you will gain enjoyment from the Order of the Bell series. But if you have not seen Once Upon A Time, I think that you will love this series even more because the ideas behind the Order of the Bell series will appear more original. I do enjoy Devlin as an author, and I look forward to what he writes next. I just hope that he will choose to write a new series soon that will better represent his talent.
*ARC provided by Blaze Publishing for an honest review.*
FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form
FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
March 18, 2017
Compendium: A Horror Novelette by Roxie Prince
Title: Compendium: A Horror Novelette
Author: Roxie Prince
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Humanity has fallen victim to an apocalyptic condition in which the affected become bloodthirsty monsters out of the most terrible of nightmares. Different people, different situations, same hellish circumstances — what would you do?
Review:
Ah, how I love a horror novelette that portrays an eclectic cast of characters within the same horrific situation. Roxie Prince has become one of my favorite authors due to her other novels, The Way We Go and Growth Spurt, but the beauty of Compendium is that it is so different when compared to her young adult novels. Prince has a way of inventing characters that could be your next door neighbor, and they leap off of the page and under your skin.
Apocalyptic conditions are always a favorite in horror novels and movies, but Prince took this plotline to the next level in Compendium. She turned humans into monsters, and she portrayed how each one of us is capable of turning to the dark side of life. Prince’s characters were almost unbearably believable, and there were many times during this novelette where I had to put the book down. However, I soon picked it back up again out of curiosity.
I am a strong believer that some of the best stories come in small packages, and this is what Compendium does. Prince doesn’t add unnecessary filler to her novelette, and she uses her language like a paintbrush – no stroke out of place. My only criticism is that this novelette could have benefitted from a deeper analysis for some of the characters, but it packed a punch all the same.
If you are looking for a quick, horrific read, then Compendium is your answer. It brings life to the overused apocalyptic horror concept, and I hope that Prince decides to write more horror! Her work brings something new to the literary horror genre, and I look forward to watching her grow.
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FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
March 17, 2017
Once Upon A Book Club – February Review
Once Upon A Book Club is an original book subscription box that includes 1 novel (either paperback or hardback), a quote art print, and 3 – 5 items that correlate with a quote or item mentioned in the book. Each item included is wrapped and labeled with a different page number to let the reader know that they shouldn’t open up the item until they reach that specific page. Once Upon A Book Club is $34.99/monthly + shipping, and they do ship worldwide. They also have the option to buy 3 months at a time ($100.99/month + shipping), 6 months at a time ($199.00/month + shipping), or 12 months at a time ($390.00/month + shipping) with a slight discount. Their shipping prices are:
$8.50 within the US
$15 for Canada
$26 for Worldwide
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I received the February box to review, and I was so excited to dig in! The originality of this box is amazing, and I adore the box design.
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Once Upon A Book Club shows up in a gorgeous pink box that is designed to look like a book. The box itself is something to savor, and I will be displaying it on my bookshelf!
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When opening the box, you are presented with a lovely interior script design. All of the items are also neatly packed with a friendly warning card:
Once Upon A Book Club comes with a card that links a discussion question to a date during March. On each date, the subscriber can visit the box’s Instagram or Facebook page to discuss the questions with other subscribers. I like how they based the questions in March because it allows time for subscribers to begin reading the book.
As promised, the box also includes a quote art print from the book of the month, From Sand and Ash. I am always a sucker for quote art prints, so I absolutely love this one! It sets a stage for the reading experience, and I like having a piece of the book to display in my room.
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The book choice is a romantic historical fiction novel called From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon. Once Upon A Bookclub sends out historical fiction, contemporary fiction or women’s fiction novels, and I love how this sets them apart from other book boxes. This months’ book is a paperback, and it was released in 2016.
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Here is the synopsis:
Italy, 1943—Germany occupies much of the country, placing the Jewish population in grave danger during World War II.
As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.
Now, more than a decade later, Angelo is a Catholic priest and Eva is a woman with nowhere to turn. With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church.
But Eva can’t quietly hide, waiting for deliverance, while Angelo risks everything to keep her safe. With the world at war and so many in need, Angelo and Eva face trial after trial, choice after agonizing choice, until fate and fortune finally collide, leaving them with the most difficult decision of all.
I read this novel before reviewing the box, and I am IN LOVE with the story! From Sand and Ash is a gorgeous portrayal of Italy during World War Two, and I am so happy to have been able to experience the novel along with the interactive items.
If you would like to see my full review of From Sand and Ash, please go here.
The first item that we open when reading the book begins on page 190. The present includes a yellow purse with a national registration identity card that was created to go along with the main character, Eva Bianco.
I am amazed at the identity card because it is clear that Once Upon A Book Club had it made exclusively for their box! I love having a visual for Eva, and the creativity that went into the item is wonderful. These items also go perfectly with this quote from page 190 in the book:
“She fumbled in her pocketbook and rushed to set her fake pass in his hand.”
These items are ripped straight from the book, and I was amazed at the details that went into them.
[image error]Peachy Keen Book Reviews Request Form" target="_blank">Peachy Keen Book Reviews Request Form
I will review your novel for you if you supply me with the book.
I am also active on Goodreads and will be posting all of my reviews on there as well. That being said, all of my blog posts will appear on Facebook and Tumblr and I will be posting updates of reviews on my Instagram account.
I also am providing a donation button on each post that I make. A lot of my time and effort goes into helping market authors and I do it all for free; however, donations would be greatly appreciated and will help me to keep my blog and services running. All donators will also receive a free gift.
Thanks and enjoy,
Ashley Nestler
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The next item is derived from page 221 in the book. It is a gorgeous gold ring with emerald and white stones, and it is of high quality.
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The ring correlates with the following quote in the book:
“She picked up a dainty ring and realized that it was Giulia’s. Giulia had given her ring to keep Rome’s Jews from being slaughtered. But they’d been taken anyway, some of them reduced to ash, and Giulia’s ring sat in a closet at Via Tasso collecting dust – ignored, forgotten, and completely insignificant to the men who had extorted it.”
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I love how poetic and symbolic this ring is to the story, and I am so glad that it was included in the box. Every time I wear this ring, I will think about everyone who was lost in the Holocaust. The velvet pouch itself is also handy to keep the ring in, and to remind me of which page the ring correlates with.
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The next items are also astoundingly connected to the book. Included is a gray pocketbook with documents that were created from the novel, but even the newspaper that is wrapped around the items has been made exclusively for the box, and it is derived straight from the story as well. Here is the corresponding quote:
“Eva kept her eyes on Aldo’s face. His eyes were closed, mercifully so, and his glasses were slightly askew, making him look like a child who had fallen asleep reading. She crouched beside him and felt for the newspaper he’d shoved inside his coat. There. It was fat with documents.”
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This moment in the novel is heartbreaking, but the items give us a piece of one of the characters who does end up dying because he was Jewish.
[image error]Peachy Keen Book Reviews Request Form" target="_blank">Peachy Keen Book Reviews Request Form
I will review your novel for you if you supply me with the book.
I am also active on Goodreads and will be posting all of my reviews on there as well. That being said, all of my blog posts will appear on Facebook and Tumblr and I will be posting updates of reviews on my Instagram account.
I also am providing a donation button on each post that I make. A lot of my time and effort goes into helping market authors and I do it all for free; however, donations would be greatly appreciated and will help me to keep my blog and services running. All donators will also receive a free gift.
Thanks and enjoy,
Ashley Nestler
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Again, I am flabberghasted at the documents that Once Upon A Bookclub created to go along with From Sand and Ash. They make the story leap off of the page, and it is like having pieces of the book with you to keep forever.
The last item correlates with the last page of the novel before the epilogue, page 368.
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It is a candle decorated with musical notes, and after reading the book, I noticed how the musical notes and candle both tied up the novel well. It was nice that they included an item to correlate with the last page of the book before the epilogue because it made me feel like I had closure after reading the story.
Here is the quote that goes along with the candle:
“Angelo watched Eva playing from an upstairs window in the apartment that overlooked the street, his son in his arms, his ears peeled, not wanting to miss a note. It was a miracle. There had been many, and before the war was over, there would be more. He lit a candle and watched it flicker, its light reflected in the cross that hung on the wall. And he listened to Eva play.”
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Overall, I was more than please with Once Upon A Book Club! The creators clearly put a lot of time and effort into creating items that correlated with the book, and you cannot find this experience elsewhere. Once Upon A Book Club is perfect for those looking for a book club to discuss the book with, as well as a reading experience that will take the reader right into the book included. If you love historical fiction, contemporary fiction, or women’s fiction, then it doesn’t’ get any better that Once Upon A Book Club!
SUBSCRIBE NOW
FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form
FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
Title: From Sand and Ash
Author: Amy Harmon
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
Italy, 1943—Germany occupies much of the country, placing the Jewish population in grave danger during World War II.
As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.
Now, more than a decade later, Angelo is a Catholic priest and Eva is a woman with nowhere to turn. With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church.
But Eva can’t quietly hide, waiting for deliverance, while Angelo risks everything to keep her safe. With the world at war and so many in need, Angelo and Eva face trial after trial, choice after agonizing choice, until fate and fortune finally collide, leaving them with the most difficult decision of all.
Review:
Amy Harmon is a gorgeous author. She takes historical fiction and brings it to light for readers who may not be as knowledgeable about history. But unlike many other historical fiction authors, she does not glamorize the past. Instead, Harmon presents history as is and produces stories that are relevant to the time period.
“Then Eva’s mother had said her daughter’s name, and it crackled and broke between her lips like old paper.”
From Sand and Ash is a remarkable novel in the way that it examines Italy during World War II in 1943. But the best part about this novel is that it skips back and forth between the future and the past in order to connect the events between a Catholic and Jew who are friends and grew up together. They are in love with one other, but they can’t be together based on their differing religions. This in itself is heartbreaking, but Harmon expands on the time period to portray the laws that were created against Jews during World War II in Italy. Before reading this novel, I was not aware of how Jews were treated in Italy during the war, and I found From Sand and Ash to be an impromptu history course in this untold history. Harmon has a way of making her novel educational while also tearing at the readers’ heartstrings.
“The way she said the name, the rasping whisper, the way she sighed through the syllables like it was the last word she would ever say, had made Eva hate her name for a very long time.”
Harmon is an artist with her words, as can be seen in the sample quotes that I have provided. She turns simple sentences into poetic art, and her words made the story leap off of the page. I fell in love with Eva and Angelo’s relationship, and I found my heart breaking for them and the terrible events that occurred throughout the novel. Harmon even made a suicide in the novel seem poetic, but she revealed the awfulness of the situation as well. Her words did not glamorize the horrific events that occurred during World War II, but she took the sorrow and used it to amplify her story.
I have not rated a novel 5 out of 5 in quite a long time, but From Sand and Ash more than deserves it. This book had everything that I look for in a historical novel: poetic language, knowledge about lesser known history, and vibrant characters who uniquely reflect their time period. From Sand and Ash is one of those rare novels that teaches the reader history while also bringing them enjoyment, and I will gladly continue to read this author’s work.
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