The Debt of Tamar by Nicole Dweck Virtual Tour

 

 Title: The Debt of Tamar

Author: Nicole Dweck

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 330

Published: February 4th 2013 by Devon House Press 

ISBN: 978-0615583617

Source: Arranged Tour

Description: During the second half of the 16th century, a wealthy widow by the name of Doña Antonia Nissim is arrested and charged with being a secret Jew. The punishment? Death by burning. Enter Suleiman the Magnificent, an Ottoman "Schindler," and the most celebrated sultan in all of Turkish history. With the help of the Sultan, the widow and her children manage their escape to Istanbul. Life is seemingly idyllic for the family in their new home, that is, until the Sultan's son meets and falls in love with Tamar, Doña Antonia's beautiful and free-spirited granddaughter. A quiet love affair ensues until one day, the girl vanishes.  Over four centuries later, thirty-two year old Selim Osman, a playboy prince with a thriving real estate empire, is suddenly diagnosed with a life-theatening condition. Abandoning the mother of his unborn child, he vanishes from Istanbul without an explanation. In a Manhattan hospital, he meets Hannah, a talented artist and the daughter of a French Holocaust survivor. As their story intertwines with that of their ancestors, readers are taken back to Nazi-occupied Paris, and to a seaside village in the Holy Land where a world of secrets is illuminated.  Theirs is a love that has been dormant for centuries, spanning continents, generations, oceans, and religions. Bound by a debt that has lingered through time, they must right the wrongs of the past if they're ever to break the shackles of their future.

I Give This ...

I was intrigued by the historical aspects of this novel.  I read quite a bit of historical fictions but honestly, I tend to be country specific.  I do love the chance to expand that.

I really enjoyed the characters in the past.  I loved learning about Dona Antonia.  Her connection with the nobility and with the Jewish people.  I admired her courage to do all she could do for the Jewish people until she knew her time had come.  She instilled that same determination in her children.  However, I think her son-in-law grossly overreacted when it came to the news that the Sultan wanted to arrange a marriage between his son and the daughter.  It turns out he had no idea that they had been courting all along.  The vow the Sultan's son when gross centuries until it had been fulfilled.  

I was less intrigued by our present day prince.  He's taken the curse and made it his own.  It seems that the misfortunes of the past are directly tied to everything he does.  He comes across as selfish, even as he is dieing.  Enter in Hannah, who's past I found completely fascinating.  Although, I did find it a little odd that she would be the one to break the curse because the ring didn't pass directly through her by blood (at least that is the impression that I got).  

As the stories come full circle, I was really impressed with how the author managed to weave it all together.  I'm also enthralled with the idea that things are meant to be.   I think a key point of the stories is how the generations meet and come together in different places and different times.   Does history repeat itself?

I will be looking for what this author does next!

******

Link to Tour Page: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/thedebtoftamartour

Tour Hashtag: #DebtofTamarVirtualTour

Publication Date: February 4, 2013
Devon House Press
Paperback; 332p
ISBN-10: 061558361X During the second half of the 16th century, a wealthy widow by the name of Doña Antonia Nissim is arrested and charged with being a secret Jew. The punishment? Death by burning. Enter Suleiman the Magnificent, an Ottoman “Schindler,” and the most celebrated sultan in all of Turkish history. With the help of the Sultan, the widow and her children manage their escape to Istanbul. Life is seemingly idyllic for the family in their new home, that is, until the Sultan’s son meets and falls in love with Tamar, Doña Antonia’s beautiful and free-spirited granddaughter. A quiet love affair ensues until one day, the girl vanishes.
Over four centuries later, thirty-two year old Selim Osman, a playboy prince with a thriving real estate empire, is suddenly diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. Abandoning the mother of his unborn child, he vanishes from Istanbul without an explanation. In a Manhattan hospital, he meets Hannah, a talented artist and the daughter of a French Holocaust survivor. As their story intertwines with that of their ancestors, readers are taken back to Nazi-occupied Paris, and to a sea-side village in the Holy Land where a world of secrets is illuminated.
Theirs is a love that has been dormant for centuries, spanning continents, generations, oceans, and religions. Bound by a debt that has lingered through time, they must right the wrongs of the past if they’re ever to break the shackles of their future.

Buy the Book

Amazon (eBook)
Amazon (Paperback)
Barnes & Noble
iTunes

About the Author

Nicole Dweck is a writer whose work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the country.
As a descendant of Sephardic (Spanish) refugees who escaped the Inquisition and settled on Ottoman territory, Dweck has always been interested in Sephardic history and the plight of refugees during the Spanish Inquisition. The Debt of Tamar, her debut novel, was a two-time finalist in the UK’s Cinnamon Press Novel Award Competition. It has also received an honorable award mention in the category of Mainstream/Literary Fiction from Writers Digest and was the highest rated book for two weeks running on the Harper Collin’s “Authonomy” website. It has claimed a #1 Bestseller spot in the Amazon Kindle Middle East Fiction category, a #1 Bestseller spot in Amazon Kindle Jewish Fiction category, and has been included as one of the “Hot 100″ Kindle bestsellers in the category of Historical Fiction.
Dweck holds a BA in Journalism and a Masters Degree in Global Studies with a focus on Middle East Affairs (NYU) . Her non-fiction articles have appeared in several magazines and newspapers including The New York Observer and Haute Living Magazine.
She lives in New York City with her husband and son.

For more information visit Nicole’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

Read Last Week:

 

• Perfect Lies by Kiersten White 
• The Debt of Tamar by Nichole Dweck

Currently Reading: 

•  Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep 

Up This Week: 

 

• Queen Elizabeth's Daughter by Anne Clinard Barnhill

THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME by Rachel L. Demeter - BOOK BLAST and GIVEAWAY!!

The recent release of The Frost of Springtime, by debut author Rachel L. Demeter, transports readers to the war torn streets of nineteenth century Paris. Driven by paradoxical characters, steamy encounters, and a compelling storyline, it’s a bittersweet tale of revolution, redemption, and the healing power of love. Described as “poignant,” emotionally devastating,” and “beautiful,” The Frost of Springtime is sure to please historical and romance readers alike. Available now in both eBook and paperback. Currently Amazon Prime members can read the Kindle edition for free!

Publication Date: February 14, 2014
Black Lyon Publishing
Formats: Paperback, Kindle eBook Genre: Historical Romance/Historical Fiction

To rescue her was to rescue his own soul.

On a cold Parisian night, Vicomte Aleksender de Lefèvre forges an everlasting bond with a broken girl during her darkest hour, rescuing her from a life of abuse and misery. Tormented by his own demons, he finds his first bit of solace in sheltering little Sofia Rose.
But when Aleksender is drawn away by the Franco-Prussian war, the seasons pass. And in that long year, Sofia matures into a stunning young woman—a dancer with an understanding of devotion and redemption far surpassing her age.
Alongside his closest friend, Aleksender returns home to find that “home” is gone, replaced by revolution, bloodshed, betrayal—and a love always out of reach. Scarred inside and out, he’s thrust into a world of sensuality and violence—a world in which all his hours have now grown dark, and where only Sofia might bring an end to the winter in his heart.
Inspired by the 1871 Paris Commune, The Frost of Springtime is a poignant tale of revolution, redemption, and the healing power of love.

Read an Excerpt

The heat of their bodies mingled as one. With each breath, Aleksender drank in the sweet essence of his beloved ward. His mind swam with unorthodox visions and desires. He inclined his head, lost to the power of her nearness, entranced by everything that was Sofia.
“Alek, my Alek …”
Each word infused Aleksender with a delicious and undeniable warmth. Intoxicated by roses and wintertime, he found it difficult to speak, difficult to think. Breathless, he swallowed and met the haunting depths of her eyes.
“Please,” she dreamily murmured, “I want you to kiss me again…”

READ SAMPLE PROLOGUE & FIRST TWO CHAPTERS ON GOODREADS.

Watch the Book Trailer:

Praise for The Frost of Springtime

“I am astonished at this being Rachel L. Demeter’s debut work, for in form and style, it is very much a tour de force. A riveting story of love and courage in the aftermath of a brutal war, the author brilliantly juxtaposes the hazing splendor of French nobility and the impassioned elegance of two people in love, despite all the world’s oppositions. The title is, in a sense, a representation of change: the beginning of a new spring with La Belle Époque and the transition into a new era, for the world and our protagonists. The wistful loveliness of the setting paints a picture of a crying France, blending in with the dynamic romance perfectly. Or rather, it does not merely blend in the background as much as glitters like the brightest jewel, shining with a vibrancy that makes one want to relieve the halcyon days of grand old Paris. I was captivated by the setting, the lush writing of Rachel L. Demeter, and the subtle expressiveness of the characters, which all compelled me to research more of the historical background, of the 1871 Paris Commune, through which this story is made more infinitely dearer.” – Buried Under Romance

“We are in awe. The Frost of Springtime is a MUST HAVE! Despite that we loved the true facts, we fell instantly in love with the story. It was dark, emotionally devastating, and sensual. The innocence between the two main characters was beautiful and their love grew so strong throughout the story with such grace. One of us even cried while reading The Frost of Springtime. We loved the cover, we loved the writing style, and we adored the characters. We fell in love, really hard.” – Divas Book Blog

“This novel is intricately detailed and wonderfully written! Opening with a heartbreaking scene, I was immediately drawn to the story of Aleksender and his Sofia. Of course, as the story moved on, other enchanting characters helped to make this poignant book complete. The author has blended historical facts with fiction skillfully, and presented several narratives flawlessly. It’s beautiful! I loved it!” – Romancebookworm’s Reviews

“I absolutely love this book. The Frost of Springtime shows how love and tragedy go hand in hand and that love can actually be more powerful than anything. I have found that most books do not hit this point right on the nail like this one does. It’s a Historical Romance and let me just tell you this is one book I couldn’t put down.” – Magic Within The Pages

“WOW!! The Frost of Springtime is a powerful, epic love story unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The emotional and visual/sensory depth is astounding. I felt Aleksender and Sofia’s connection from beginning to end. Aleksender’s path to healing was at times breathtaking and heartbreaking. This is a hero who loves his woman with every last breath, every fiber of his being… and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. AMAZING cast of secondary characters as well… a ‘villain’ who actually leaves you morally torn! Beautifully written (loved the vivid imagery and descriptions!), dark, unusual, rich with history, epic scope, and a soul deep love that only comes once in a lifetime… Brava!!!” – Sivonna, an advanced reader

Buy the Book

Amazon (Kindle eBook) *Amazon Prime members can read the kindle edition for free!
Amazon (Paperback) Barnes & Noble Black Lyon Publishing

About the Author

Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and high school sweetheart of ten years. She enjoys writing dark, edgy romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and examine the redeeming power of love. Imagining stories and characters has been Rachel’s passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mom would jot them down for her. She has a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances.
Whether sculpting the protagonist or antagonist, she always ensures that every character is given a soul. Rachel strives to intricately blend elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some common themes her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness.
Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.

Author Links

Website Facebook Twitter Google+ Goodreads Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube

SIGN UP FOR RACHEL L. DEMETER’S NEWSLETTER. 

Giveaways

To enter to win one of the following prizes please complete the Rafflecopter form below.

2 – Kindle Ebooks of THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME (open internationally)
1 – Signed Paperback of THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME (open to US residents only)
1 – $15 Amazon Gift Card (open to US residents only)

Giveaway will run from March 3-9. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on March 10 and notifiied via email.
Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
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Review - And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard

Title: And We Stay

Author: Jenny Hubbard

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 240

Published: January 28th 2014 by Delacorte Press

ISBN: 9780385740579

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description: When high school senior Paul Wagoner walks into his school library with a stolen gun, he threatens his girlfriend Emily Beam, then takes his own life. In the wake of the tragedy, an angry and guilt-ridden Emily is shipped off to boarding school in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she encounters a ghostly presence who shares her name. The spirit of Emily Dickinson and two quirky girls offer helping hands, but it is up to Emily to heal her own damaged self.  This inventive story, told in verse and in prose, paints the aftermath of tragedy as a landscape where there is good behind the bad, hope inside the despair, and springtime under the snow.

I Give This ...

I was worried how this book would portray these events.  It's a  was delicate subject for sure.  It was lacking in the details and emotion I wanted.  And their are a few chain of events that just didn't sit well with me.

I never fully understood how Paul ended up shooting himself.  The events are told through flashbacks.  I almost would have liked something that expressed Paul's thoughts because Emily feels so disconnected from all of this.  His actions seem so intense for what happened.  I think he was trying to get his feeling heard and noticed, but either the author didn't convey this moment well....or Paul never meant to hurt anybody.  So, we're back to how did he end up shooting himself?  In the stomach no less.  I don't think that's a "normal" route to suicide.  

I did think Emily's emotions were completely valid.  I just didn't like how she got to were she was.  I think she handled the entire situation very poorly.  I'm not saying Paul's death is her fault.  I just think there are a lot of other ways she could have handled this.  Her parents reacted to the issues poorly as well.  But, in light of all of these, it's no wonder that Emily goes into a deep depression.  It's a lot of for any person to handle.

I think this book could have been great.  And maybe it's my own personal thoughts on certain events that happen in this book that sway my opinion.  It just wasn't all that I had hoped it would be. 

 

Review - All That Glows by Ryan Graudin

Title: All That Glows

Author: Ryan Graudin

Series: Stand Alone

Pages: 463

Published:  February 11th 2014 by HarperTeen 

ISBN: 9780062187413

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.  When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love. 

First Line: The sickness hits even before I hit the outskirts of London.

I Give This ...  

I really waiver back and forth on my thoughts on this one.  I found aspects of it very intriguing.  However, the delivery wasn't all there.  It seemed like a watered down version of events.

Emrys wasn't quite the fairy I thought she was going to be.  She's suppose to be the young hardcore fairy that has risen up through the ranks quickly.  I get that the technology driven world makes her ill, but she's doesn't come across that way at all.  It's not very long before she's completely head over hills for Richard.  In the process she manages to forget centuries worth of training and rules.  

I did find the world this book is set up in to be extremely interesting.  I wasn't able to identify if this was present or future England just set with the fairy world intertwined.  I really enjoyed the background on how this system was set up.  I was intrigued in how this all seem to come to the ultimate war so quickly.   It kind of felt like I was missing some sort of back story.

This had potential.  But, it felt more middle grade fiction and lacking in substance.  

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

 

Read Last Week:

• And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard
• The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Currently Reading:

• Perfect Lies by Kiersten White

 

Up This Week:  

 

• The Debt of Tamar by Nichole Dweck
•  Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep

 

 

Review - A Study in Ashes (The Baskerville Affair #3) by Emma Jane Holloway

Title: A Study in Ashes

Author: Emma Jane Holloway

Series: 3rd (A Study in Silks, A Study in Darkness

Pages: 662

Published: December 31st 2013 by Del Rey

ISBN:  9780345537201

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Description: As part of her devil’s bargain with the industrial steam barons, Evelina Cooper is finally enrolled in the Ladies’ College of London. However, she’s attending as the Gold King’s pet magician, in handcuffs and forbidden contact with even her closest relation, the detective Sherlock Holmes.  Not even Niccolo, the dashing pirate captain, and his sentient airship can save her. But Evelina’s problems are only part of a larger war. The Baskerville Affair is finally coming to light, and the rebels are making their move to wrest power from the barons and restore it to Queen Victoria. Missing heirs and nightmare hounds are the order of the day—or at least that’s what Dr. Watson is telling the press. But their plans are doomed unless Evelina escapes to unite her magic with the rebels’ machines—and even then her powers aren’t what they used to be. A sorcerer has awakened a dark hunger in Evelina’s soul, and only he can keep her from end angering them all. The only problem is…he’s dead. 

First Line: "You are not welcome here," said the man in the quietly understated brown suit.

I Give This ...

I saw this through to the end and I must say I'm very proud of myself on this one.   It's out of my comfort zone, but it attracted my attention from the start.  Steampunk is hard for me and with no guarantee that I would like it, this was a stretch.  And with each book being hefty, this one comes in at just over 650 pages, they are time consuming as well.  

I was greatly impressed with how the characters grew in this final book.  There were definite possibilities of a love triangle in the series beginning.  But, each character followed their were they should (ok maybe not Tobias) and didn't sway.  I was pleased that even Tobias didn't always think with his head, I think he could have been happy in the end with Alice.  And really, I think Nick and Evelina are perfect for each other.  I think my favorite couple was Imogen and Bucky.  Bucky went above and beyond to prove his love for Imogen.

The events were honestly like reading about a chess match and that's were I struggled with this book.  At this many pages, you can bet there were a lot of moves.  I wasn't sure we would ever get to the final showdown.  I also seriously wondered if this story would have some sort of happy ending.  Our Gold King seemed to have all the pieces.  In the end, it all came down to Evelina and the power she could wield.  It's no wonder that she was frightened of it though.

I was completely satisfied with how this ended.  There's room for a spin off series, and I might read it just because I found it intriguing.