Sketches of Life

by A. Gavazzoni, Jill Noble-Shearer (Editor)

A careless girl. A survivor alone in the world. A world in turmoil.In the middle of WWII, France surrendered to Germany, and young Lily, half French and half American, has her life turned upside down. A careless girl, full of dreams, Lily must leave France and go to her father’s homeland, taking her mother with her. Lily’s mother becomes completely dependent upon her teenage daughter, and Lily is forced to grow up quickly. Trying her best to support them both, balancing work and dreams of continuing her studies, Lily meets her first love and discovers passion and betrayal on her way.Ninon is a survivor. Alone in the world, she works as an exotic dancer in a French cabaret called Le Passioné, where she moves her hips to put food on her plate until a new and dangerous opportunity is presented to her. Although Ninon has lost faith in love and God, life will show her surprises can be found around every corner.France, the United States, Spain, Austria, and Argentina present the backdrops for an epic tale of people trying to adapt to a world in turmoil—one that’s filled with secrets and surprises…A GOLD PINNACLE BOOK ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERWhat readers are saying about Sketches of ★★★★★- “I would recommend "Sketches of Life" to anyone looking for a warm heartfelt, heart-wrenching story of a girl coming of age in a war-torn world.”Reader's Favorite Awarded ★★★★★ "If you want to read a good book, look no further."

523 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2019

About the author

A. Gavazzoni is a Brazillian Multi-Award-Winning Novelist of five published literary works within two novel series titled, 'Hidden Motives' and 'Where The Road Goes.'

Adriana has become a critically acclaimed popular steamy romance fiction writer of light erotic with cross-genres of steamy murder mystery suspense, historical romantic thrillers, coming-of-age, and women's gripping crime fiction. Adriana's break-out debut of "Behind The Door" book one of the "Hidden Motives" series firmly placed her on the literary map nationally and internationally. All her novels are available on Amazon Books, Amazon Kindle, and Kindles available within Kindle Unlimited. All her novels are featured on online literary book sites, Book Stores, and literary magazines.

Born and raised in Brazil, she is of full Italian lineage. By day she is a Brazillian lawyer, former professor of law, and also writes legal books. She speaks four languages: English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. When she is not practicing law or writing her next novel, she enjoys many interests as a very active person and is an avid reader.

Adriana loves to dance, especially the (Tango), she enjoys cooking and enjoys good food and good wine. She believes in exercising along with living a healthy lifestyle. She enjoys traveling and visits New York often, but her "Happy Place" is always spending time with her big happy family and her pets as a passionate animal lover. Adriana continues to work and reside in Brazil.

Novel Awards & Achievements For A. Gavazzoni

"Where The Road Goes Novel Series" Book One - Sketches of Life - Gold Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Honorable Mention-Los Angeles Book Festival 2021 - Finalist - Book Excellence Awards

Book Two - Life Has Other Plans - Gold Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Book Excellence Award - Finalist - Eric-Hoffer Award - NIEA - National Indie Book Award - Honorable Mentions - Hollywood Book Festival 2022 & Paris Book Festival 2022...

**All Novels Awarded 5-Star Reader's Favorite Editorial Book Reviews and Multiply Awards Won For All Three Novels In The "Hidden Motives" Series.**

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel, What Lily has to do to be able to survive her first love and heart break, the trials of trying to be the strong one with her mother's disease. Then, how fierce Ninon was and her trials at love. I really hope the author continues with the story! I would definitely like to see what happens between Christopher and Ninon, and more adventures to come! Definitely reccomend. Great story and hard to put down!

[Megan Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ninon remained in the hospital for another six days, and then she moved to the apartment in Salzburg. The Organization gave her some time to recover. Christopher moved with them, and he and Theodore were following Archard’s trail. The three of them—Ninon, Theodore, and Christopher—started to bond, and as soon as Ninon was feeling better and whenever the guys had time, they went out together, exploring the city. Christopher had a car, and they were real tourists during those adventures, enjoying the sights. A careless girl full of dreams, Lily must leave France and go to her father’s homeland, taking her mother with her.Lily’s mother becomes completely dependent upon her teenage daughter, and Lily is forced to grow up quickly. Trying her best to support them both, balancing work and dreams of continuing her studies, Lily meets her first love and discovers passion and betrayal on her way.Ninon is a survivor. Alone in the world, she works as an exotic dancer in a French cabaret called Le Passioné, where she moves her hips to put food on her plate until a new and dangerous opportunity is presented to her. Although Ninon has lost faith in love and God, life will show her surprises can be found around every corner.France, the United States, Spain, Austria, and Argentina present the backdrops for an epic tale of people trying to adapt to a world in turmoil—one that’s filled with secrets and surprise.

[K.S. Marsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a war-torn France trying to re-establish itself, we follow two stories of the strength it takes to create a new life.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have read Gavazzoni's Hidden Motives series, and I was excited to read more about Lara's intriguing grandmother.

The narrative is split between two women (sort of).
Lily is the youngest of two daughters. She is bright, ambitious and always speaks her mind. She is loved by her family, and has a blessed life; until the war tears everything apart.
Her older sister is dragged away by Nazi soldiers in the middle of the night, and Lily is sent with her mother to safety in the US.

Ninon is alone, she relies on no one but herself. She has learnt to dissemble and keep her secrets. Along with her intelligence, this makes her the perfect candidate to become a spy, and do her part for France.
She finds new purpose in her training, becoming an elite sniper, and finding a new band of friends she never expected.

Both lead very different lives. With Ninon's new role of espionage, of hunting down and taking out villains, her scenes are the most exciting (although it does take a lot of waiting and observing their target, to make the operation run smoothly).
That being said, Lily's storyline has more of an emotional impact. Despite only being 16 years old, Lily adapts to life in America, having to be the responsible adult from the beginning, as her mother struggles mentally. She takes everything in her stride, abandoning her own education, to support her mother and her failing health, which quickly burns through the fund her father sent to her.

Both characters are brilliantly strong-willed, and defy the betrayal and danger they are often in. They have no intention of following the traditional role for women at that time.
I particularly liked how Ninon's story ended, bringing everything full circle.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more of Gavazzoni's work.

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story.. enjoyable and good characters.. it made me smile and laugh.. also certain parts made me tear up.. it was well written and i liked it

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the middle of WWII in France a young girl hides in her home as the Nazi comes in and takes her older sister away in the night. To protect Lily and her mother from the Nazi her father sends them a way to live in America where her father is from. Lily is half french and half American.

All her father ever wanted of Lily is to finish high school and then go on to college but then tragedy strikes and Lily’s world is torn to pieces. Her mother becomes ill and Lily is left to take care of her ailing mother.

Lily meets a nice young man in America who she takes an instant liking to but the romance doesn’t last too long when Lily finds out that he has betrayed her. Lily is heartbroken with all the lies and deceit that is falling off this young man.

Sketches of Life is told from multiple points of view the first being Lily’s of course and the next one is of a young woman, Ninon who works as an exotic dancer. Ninon’s life is changed tremendously when she is offered a job spying for her country. Ninon sees it as a job like any other that will put food on her table and clothes on her back.

I was really touched by both women’s stories but especially Lily’s. Lily’s story touched my heart and left me in tears on more than one occasion. I felt as if I had connected with Lily in some way on so many different levels. I felt for Lily as she was just a young girl on the brink of adult hood and so innocent on so many things. I felt for her because of all the things she was experiencing in her life things that most people experienced later in life if ever.

Sketches of Life is a well thought out story one that will stay with me for a long time to come. I think I will carry Lily and Ninon’s stories with me always. These two women have worked their way into my heart. I would like to get to know them more if that is possible. Sketches of Life pulled me into its depths from the first page and has not let go yet. I hope to read more of their stories.

I enjoy reading books through different characters eyes. I like getting the story from both. When I was reading both Lily and Ninon’s stories I kept wondering and waiting to see how their stories were going to intertwine. They had me guessing from the beginning and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out. Oh and when I did I was so surprised I never expected the ending to turn out the way it did but it worked so brilliantly well. What a surprise. I would love to know more about that great big twist there at the end.

I would recommend Sketches of Life to anyone looking for a warm heart felt, heart wrenching story of a girl coming of age in a war torn world. One click your copy of Sketches of Life to begin this wonderfully told story.

[GrnEyed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written in a very interesting style. We are taking back and forth between the lives of Lily and Ninon. I found myself drawn to Lily and all that she was forced to face in her short life. No matter what was thrown at her she found a way to survive. She was strong-willed, intelligent, yet naive, and innocent. I found her relationship with her family endearing.

Ninon was also strong and determined. She was skilled in many things. I found her to be very...unapproachable in many ways. The numerous revelations that occurred throughout the story surprised me at times. In many ways, I preferred Lily's story. I will say the twist at the end did surprise me but it also made things make a lot more sense with respect to Ninon.

This is a book that will make you laugh, break your heart, intrigue you and so much more. If you like books that take place in years gone by, this is a good read. If you like a book that isn't what you're expecting, this is a good read.

[Ripley Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless, sexy and captivating! This author has a beautiful mind and a fierce spirit. Her stories are rich, unique and tremendous.

[Federica S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book from the author that I loved from the first to the last page.
Her style of writing is so easy to read, engaging and her words make you feel there in the story. The characters are so well described and the plot is not simple, but one that makes you want to know more. There are intimate moments in the book, as like in her other book that I read, everything is so sensual and sexy and nothing is vulgar, it’s just make you feel like you are there, experiencing those moments yourself.
If you want to read a good book, look no further.

[Vier (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✳ Heavy drama
✳ Multiple POVs which made it hard for me follow the story
✳ Great plot and ending nonetheless
✳ Romance was not forced but sometimes exaggerated
✳ Strong and empowered female protagonists

[Debbie Viscosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Lily, Ninon, and Aishwarya. Lily is a young French/American girl growing up in France. Her parents decide to travel to America to escape the Nazis. They delayed their trip with life altering consequences. Lily’s sister is abducted by Nazis. Her father sends Lily and her mother to America and searches for the missing daughter. Life in America is difficult, Lily finds herself supporting her mother. Her mother’s diagnosis of dementia further complicates life. Can she manage so much? Ninon is a orphan dancing in a nightclub. Not wanting to be recognized, she creates the character Aishwarya. Ninon talks with a patron of the club who recruits her into a completely different line of work.

In this story, who will these people meet? Life hasn’t been kind to them. The ending will surprise you enough that you will want to revisit certain parts of the story. The main characters are fascinating with complex motivation. There are several descriptive sex scenes, violence and revenge in this story. After following these characters through difficulties, I expected a dismal ending but found myself surprised and happy instead.

I recommend this book, especially to those who enjoy historic fiction mixed with a touch of mystery.

[MelMon Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people break

Growing up in an affluent family, never having a woe in the world only to have your world crash down on you without warning. Lily's life was always protected and then the war came. A war that ripped away at the life she knew for good. Forced to experience life at full speed Lily keeps her father's regard of her close to be able to maintain living life as an adult when she is but a child. Her life is literally fractured into pieces. Forced at every step of the way to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Her search for self is more than just a rocky road. Everything catches up to us eventually. Lily is just experiencing life, love,loss and living at ful speed with no chance to catch a breath.

My heart aches for her family and raged when she felt it overflow. The female characters in this book are strong, fierce and a fighter. I knew when I saw that A. Gavazzoni was the author that I was in for a great read. If it wasn't for life and responsibilities, I would have read this in one sitting and there is no way I am not reading the 2nd book in this series. I'd read anything written by her. The flow of her plots are tantalizing, the story line entrancing.

[Lisa Post · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admit that I was a bit disappointed with this. I assumed it was a historical fiction with a heavy emphasis on history. However, this book is more of a romantic adventure set during the second world war. If you are looking for a book with historical emphasis, this isn't it. If you are looking for romance and adventure set in a historical time, then this is the book for you.

It is a light read, with some wit and adventure. I did find the romances and characters a little flat. There wasn't much build-up to the sexual encounters and for me that makes the story fall into a non-dimensional read. However, if you enjoy that sort of thing, then this is a good story.

I did find the POV shift awkward. Going from the first person to the third person was odd. I did get used to it about halfway through.

The ending reveal was awesome! A very clever way of tying it all together. Worth the read just for the ending tie up!

Overall I'm glad I had the opportunity to read and review this book. As I said, the flavor wasn't my cup of tea, but if this is the sort of reading you enjoy, you should definitely take the time to binge read this book.

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess: I LOVE this book from start to finish. Once I started I couldn't stop reading. The author's style is simple but bold, capable of captivating the reader. She can make you part of history, introducing you to her world.

The characters are well described and defined but feel absolutely real. You can identify with them. Lily and Ninon are my spirit animals! The strength of both, their bravery, their honesty, they’re strong but vulnerable, they are...human. The plot is not simple and it keeps you intrigued, wanting to know more.

There’re fiery scenes in the book. They are intimate moments, drafted with sensuality. They aren’t vulgar, if not the opposite. Also, when you read them, you feel like you're experiencing the same thing that the characters are experiencing.

A totally recommended book that leaves you wanting the author to write more about this story and its characters.

[Yara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in one sitting!

Written for mature readers, the storyline is set in war-torn France, which is re-establishing itself. One evening the Nazis storm into the protagonist’s apartment and take her older sister. As a consequence, she and her mother move to the US. As a 15 y/o, she has to abandon her studies and make ends meet whilst taking care of her ailing mother.

From Lily to Ninon, and from Aishwariya to Emma, the protagonist takes us through the sketches of her life. The role of each character is different from the other. These women are not the same, but are part of her, and should be treated in a compartmented way.

The writer has craftily balanced the protagonist’s character and emotion to fit the storyline. The plot has many twists and turns but delivers a personal struggle and triumph.

Overall, I highly recommend Sketches of Life to readers looking for something refreshingly new and unique! This book is definitely my best read of 2020 so far!

[Patricia Ruiz Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mesmerizing and Interesting

When I began reading this story, I was hooked. I knew there must be a connection between the two women, but I did not figure it out, so I was surprised at the end. Well written and moving. I am giving it 4* instead of 5* due to the crass sexual verbiage.

[Neyda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

I will not read any more books by this author as she is very crude of her descriptions of the sexual scenes. We never learned what happened to the mother’s caretaker

[Paul stepson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story! Gavazzoni did it again. She wrote another warm heart felt story, characters are so vivid you feel like you´ve met them before or would like to meet them.
A brilliant book!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been hoping for a bit of a happier ending; but it shows that sometimes reality doesn't always have the most satisfying ending. There were some scenes I wasn't a particular fan of; which I feel didn't quite fit with the era - especially some of the terms which were used, though there weren't many of these scenes.
Lily's childhood story in particular kept me reading.
I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.